Limit Analysis of a Stochastically Inhomogeneous Plastic Medium With Application to Plane Contact Problems

The lower and upper bound theorems of plastic limit analysis are extended to a stochastically inhomogeneous medium. The extended theorems provide bounds on the mean safety factor against plastic collapse. A three-parameter yield function is treated by introducing a spatial correlation function for uniaxial yield strength. Application of the stochastic upper-bound theorem is made to the plane problem of a truncated wedge under contact pressure. The results apply to the design of arctic structures against local ice pressure.