Safety margin from characteristic values in settlement calculations of embankments on clay

Settlement calculations in serviceability limit state (SLS) design of embankments require the estimation characteristic values soil properties to account for different sources uncertainty. The upcoming revised version EN 1997-1:2004 (Eurocode 7) presents a statistically based equation determine with aim providing more consistent safety margin. this study is quantify margin settlement using and performing probabilistic analyses. Four cases on soft conditions were considered, including significant non-linear stress–strain behaviour. This allowed evaluation consistency from derived conditions. Probabilistic analyses performed Monte Carlo simulations statistics total settlements. was then defined distance between mean value simulations. quantified not among cases, which may be related varying levels compressibility degree consolidation. Moreover, some might too conservative SLS embankments.