Probabilistic stability analysis of underground structure using stochastic finite element method

It can be said that rock mass properties are characterized not by a mean value but by values with variation due to its characteristic uncertainty. This characteristic is one of the most important parts for the design of underground structures, but yet to be fully examined. Stochastic finite element method (SFEM) has been developed in order to take the randomness of structural systems into account. Using SFEM, the response variability of structural system can be obtained and it leads probabilistic stability of structure to be analyzed. In this study, displacements response variability of circular opening with hydrostatic stress field are analyzed in terms of rock mass properties having a certain mean and a standard deviation using the SFEM. The analyzed response variability shows that the necessity of probabilistic stability analysis of underground structures using reliable mean value and standard deviation of deformation modulus.