Integrated analysis of soil-structure interaction for statically indeterminate beams on spatially random soils

ABSTRACT This study aimed to develop an integrated approach to analyse the interaction between soils and beams. The research methods involved placing a statically indeterminate beam on spatially random soils, where soil springs acted as supports for the beam. The soil spring stiffness values were simulated using random field theory. This integrated approach was embedded in the Monte Carlo simulation framework to facilitate probabilistic assessment. This study concluded that the force method solution accurately determined the bending moment and shear diagrams for a beam supported by soil springs. Additionally, soil spatial variability had a significant impact on the beam responses, including the variations in footing settlements, support reactions, bending moment, and shear force. This study also identified a critical scale of soil fluctuation that coincides with the beam span, which resulted in the highest probability of structural bending failure. Overall, this study highlights the importance of accounting for soil spatial variability in an integrated geotechnical and structural design approach.