Application of the Fuzzy Sets Theory to Seepage Analysis through Earth Structures

Abstract

In this paper, an attempt is made to apply the fuzzy sets theory to seepage problems through earth structures. It is well known that the coefficient of permeability has many indeterminate components consisting of the essential indeterminacy of the soil, the experimental indeterminacy by men performing the experiments and the indeterminacy of the decision maker who determines the coefficient of permeability based on the results of experiments and his experience. Therefore, it is of practical significance to incorporate the above indeterminacy of the coefficient of permeability into the seepage analysis as the fuzzy sets. The investigation of the indeterminacy is made by a questionnaire on engineer's judgement concerning the soil measurements. It was concluded that the application of the fuzzy sets theory is a more reasonable method than using the determined coefficient of permeability.