Abstract
In the previous chapter, a computational network porous model was developed to simulate the hydraulic behavior of unsaturated soils. However, important computational constraints make this model unpractical. In this chapter a probabilistic porous-solid model is developed to overcome these constraints. The probabilistic model is an alternative to the use of computational network models and shows important advantages. This model was built by analyzing the probability of a certain pore to be filled or remain filled with water during a wetting or drying process, respectively. The numerical results of the probabilistic model are compared with those of the computational network model showing only slight differences. Then the model is validated by doing some numerical and experimental comparisons. Finally a parametric analysis is presented.
Keywords: Probabilistic model, network models, basic unit, hydro-mechanical coupling, solids, cavities, bonds, saturated fraction, unsaturated fraction, dry fraction, degree of saturation of the unsaturated fraction, retention curves, Bishop’s parameter, relative volume, porosimetry tests, macropores, mesopores, micropores.
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