Reliability analysis of strength of cement treated soils

Abstract

The design strength of cement treated soils and its variability are influenced by various contributing factors such as inherent variability of the soft ground as well as variations in the quantities of the additives used for improvement. To consider these variations, geotechnical designs use the factor of safety approach. This paper shows that the reliability-based analysis enables a rational choice of a design strength value for the cement-stabilised soft soil, considering the variations in the influencing input parameters in an appropriate manner. An approach for identifying the important variables governing the strength behaviour of improved soft soils is also illustrated.

Keywords:

• reliability
• stabilisation
• soft soil
• strength
• factor of safety
• variability