Probabilistic reliability analysis of multiple slopes with genetic algorithms

Uncertainty estimation and consideration in engineering is an important practice to design reliable structures especially in geotechnics since the level of control with regards to the material parameters is relatively low. The definition of reliability indices to approximate the probability of failure allows for a better assessment of stability with fewer computations than using alternative methods. Nonetheless, yet an optimisation problem needs to be solved. In this work, a genetic algorithm is developed to solve this optimisation problem considering the limit equilibrium method to search for multiple critical failures. Study cases are presented to illustrate the capabilities of the method.