Geonova · settlement and inclination
Calculation example · 2026-10-11-1
100 possible ground models – an illustrative silo
This example illustrates the principle: different possible spatial layer geometries and stiffnesses lead to different settlements and inclinations.
Silo diameter 12 m · slab thickness 0.50 m · characteristic additional load 100 kN/m². Self-weight and excavation unloading are included. Stiffnesses are assumed example values, varied at each investigation location and interpolated within the model.
All three interpolated main layer boundaries receive free random, moderate waves with one to three periods between investigation points. The observed layer positions remain constrained at those points. The location, shape and volume of silt lenses also vary.
Simplified scalar soil-volume model with an elastic FE slab. The 100 realisations are illustrative scenarios.
Settlement [mm]
Map: mean at all 41 points · positive downwards
Local inclination [‰]
Map: mean at all 41 points · surface inclination magnitude
Each bar shows the share of the 100 realisations within a value range: 10 out of 100 equals 10%. The smoothed curve is a visual guide and does not assume a normal distribution.