Influence of spatial variability and uncertainty evaluation on reliability analysis of a single pile

This paper examines the influence of spatial variability of soils and uncertainty evaluation on the reliability analysis of a single, statically loaded pile foundation. The paper presents a statistical approach to evaluate the scale of fluctuation and coefficient of variation of cone penetration test parameters. The uncertainty involved in a standard conversion model which is commonly used for transferring field measurements into design soil properties is also addressed. Results obtained from the proposed approach are used for estimating more reliable undrained shear strength and for estimation of single pile bearing capacity. In order to illuminate the influence of variability and uncertainty evaluation on the design of single pile foundations, a reliability analysis of a vertical axially loaded pile has been preformed.