Finite Element Stochastic Analysis

Numerical models can be valuable tools in the prediction of seepage. The results can often be misleading if proper variational analysis is not performed. Measurement of the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) or saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity information is often neglected or minimized. The modeller is therefore forced to develop a seepage model based on estimated soil properties. The development of such models based on a best estimate of soil parameters is very often of little value. A stochastic analysis of the results of finite element models is often required in order to properly interpret what information a numerical model is providing.