Random Variables
In order to carry out a Probabilistic Analysis with RocSlope3 you must define ONE (or more) of your model input parameters as Random Variables. This is done using the options in the Statistics menu. In RocSlope3, material properties and joint properties can be defined as Random Variables.
What is a Random Variable?
A Random Variable in RocSlope3 is any model input parameter that you have selected and defined a statistical distribution for, using the options in the Statistics menu. For example, a Random Variable could be a material property such as Unit Weight or a joint property such as Cohesion.
Defining Random Variables
Any number or combination of input parameters may be defined as Random Variables for a RocSlope3 Probabilistic Analysis.
After you have selected an input parameter to be a Random Variable, you must enter the following parameters to define the probability density function (PDF) for the Random Variable:
- Statistical Distribution (i.e., Normal, Uniform, Triangular, etc.)
- Standard Deviation (if applicable for the type of Statistical Distribution)
- Minimum and Maximum values
- Mean value
For detailed information about selecting and defining Random Variables for each of the different types of model input parameters in RocSlope3, see the following topics:
The general features common to all Random Variables in RocSlope3 are discussed below.
Statistical Distribution
A Statistical Distribution must be chosen for each Random Variable. The type of Statistical Distribution, together with the mean, standard deviation and minimum/maximum values, determines the shape and extent of the probability density function you are defining for the Random Variable.
There are several different Statistical Distributions available for defining Random Variables. In most cases a Normal or Lognormal distribution will be used. However, several other distribution types are available. These range from simple Uniform or Triangular distributions, to more complex distributions such as Beta and Gamma, which allow the user to model virtually any type of statistical distribution likely to be encountered in geotechnical engineering.
For further information, see the Statistical Distributions topic.
Standard Deviation
The Standard Deviation of a Random Variable is a measure of the variance or scatter of the variable about the Mean value. The larger the Standard Deviation, then the wider the range of values which the Random Variable may assume (within the limits of the Minimum and Maximum values).
Minimum/Maximum Values
For each Random Variable, you must define a Minimum and Maximum allowable value. It is important to note that, for the purposes of data input, the Minimum/Maximum values are specified as RELATIVE quantities (i.e., as distances from the Mean), rather than as absolute values. This simplifies the data input for the user and is much less prone to error.
During the analysis, the Relative Minimum and Maximum values are converted to the actual Minimum and Maximum values when the statistical sampling is carried out for each Random Variable:
MINIMUM = MEAN – Relative MINIMUM
MAXIMUM = MEAN + Relative MAXIMUM
Example
If the Mean Friction Angle = 35 and the Relative Minimum = Relative Maximum = 10, then the actual Minimum = 25 degrees and the actual Maximum = 45 degrees.
- For each Random Variable, you must always specify non-zero values for the Relative Minimum and the Relative Maximum. If BOTH the Relative Minimum and Relative Maximum are equal to zero, no statistical samples will be generated for that variable and the value of the variable will always be equal to the Mean.
- In most cases, if you are using a Normal distribution (or other distribution which is symmetric about the Mean), the Relative Minimum and Relative Maximum values will be equal. However, they do not necessarily have to be equal if your distribution is not symmetric.
- The Minimum and Maximum values are applicable for all Statistical Distributions in RocSlope3 (with the exception of Fisher Distribution).
Mean
The Mean represents the average value of the Random Variable. Note that the Mean value of a Random Variable is equal to the Deterministic value of the variable that has been entered in the main input data dialogs (i.e., Define Materials and Define Joint Properties dialogs).
For example, if you select the Cohesion of a given Joint Property to be a Random Variable in the Define Joint Properties Statistics dialog, then the Mean value of Cohesion is automatically equal to the Cohesion of the Joint Property which has been specified in the Define Joint Properties dialog (in the Joints menu).
You may change the Mean (or Deterministic) value of a variable using either the options in the Statistics menu or the main RocSlope3 data input dialogs. Just remember, if you change the value in one dialog (e.g., the Define Joint Properties Statistics dialog), it will be changed in the other (e.g., the Define Joint Properties dialog), and vice versa.