Evaluation of Loess Collapsibility Based on Random Field Theory in Xi’an, China

The engineering properties of collapsible loess have significant uncertainty. Accurate prediction of collapsible deformation is crucial for the safety of engineering construction in loess areas. Taking the typical collapsible loess stratum as the research object in Xi’an, based on the random field theory, combined with the Monte Carlo strategy and modulus reduction method, the stochastic finite element analysis of loess self-weight collapsibility is carried out to study the influence of the spatial variability of compression modulus on the self-weight collapsibility of loess. The results show that the loess tends to be stratified and average along the depth direction with the increase of transverse correlation distance. The random field result of self-weight collapsibility considering the spatial variability of compression modulus is significantly greater than the deterministic result of layered average and the calculated value of loess code. Considering the low compression modulus dominance effect of compression modulus with positive skewed distribution of random field, the equivalent characteristic value of the compression modulus calculated by the layered average modeling for the collapsibility evaluation of typical loess strata in Xi'an area is proposed.