In the previous chapter, a computational network porous 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 was 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: Probabilistic model, network models, basic unit, hydro-mechanical
coupling, solids, cavities, bonds, saturated fraction, unsaturated fraction, dry
fraction, degree of saturation of the unsaturated fraction, retention curves,
Bishop’s parameter, relative volume, porosimetry tests, macropores, mesopores,
micropores.