In the previous chapter, a computational network porous-solid model was
developed to simulate the hydraulic behavior of unsaturated soils. However, important
computational constraints make this model unpractical. In this chapter, a probabilistic
porous-solid model is developed to overcome these constraints. The probabilistic
model is an alternative to the use of computational network models and shows
important advantages. This model is built by analyzing the probability of a certain pore
to be filled or remain filled with water during a wetting or drying process, respectively.
The numerical results of the probabilistic model are compared with those of the
computational network model showing only slight differences. Then the model is
validated by doing some numerical and experimental comparisons. Finally, a
parametric analysis is presented.
Keywords: Basic unit, Bishop’s parameter, Bonds, Cavities, Degree of saturation
of the unsaturated fraction, Dry fraction, Hydro-mechanical coupling,
Macropores, Mesopores, Micropores, Network models, Porosimetry tests,
Probabilistic model, Relative volume, Retention curves, Saturated fraction, Solids,
Unsaturated fraction.
