Partial factors and non-linear ground–structure interaction

Challenges associated with the application of partial factors to non-linear ground–structure interaction were studied for some case history examples. For some nonlinear ground–structure interaction systems, the selection of geotechnical strength parameters for calculating the movement at service condition can be important but problematic. In the calculation of action effects for structural strength design, the application of partial factors needs to simulate the trigger or path to various modes of instability, both geotechnical and structural. To avoid inconsistency, the partial factor for the self-weight of soil that is part of the interaction system needs to be set at unity. For some complex soil–structure interaction systems, the design action effects on a structural element depend on the potential failure mode examined.