Probabilistic approach to the design of anchored sheet pile walls

Following a brief review of the physico-mechanical properties of soils, this work analyzes and comments upon some of the most frequently used approaches in anchored sheet pile wall design. The analysis highlights the conceptual differences between the various approaches, often leading, inevitably, to markedly diverging results. Although the probabilistic approach cannot be applied extensively, mainly because it is difficult to obtain statistical modelling of the soil mass, it nevertheless enables designers to avoid certain ambiguities that are present in the commonly used approach based on the Safety Factor. In addition, the probabilistic approach also permits handling of the calibrations required for the approaches to partial coefficients to be effective and applicable to different local conditions associated with the diversity of soils, different modes of construction, etc. Numerical results obtained for a simple probabilistic model lead to conclusions which are certainly not exhaustive but may contribute significant elements for reflection.