Probabilistic Collocation Method for Yield Approach Index of Heterogeneous Slope

A stochastic uncertainty quantification approach has been introduced into heterogeneous slope stability evaluation with the aid of probabilistic collocation method. This method combines Karhunen-Loeve expansion and polynomial chaos expansion to estimate the stochastic properties by running the deterministic geomechanics simulation models independently. With this approach, yield approach index of a heterogeneous slope is computed. The results show that in the toe and middle region FAI have the largest value indicating more instability, and the standard deviation field demonstrates that uncertainty has the largest value in the toe. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Kunming University of Science and Technology