Soil spatial variability has essential influence on the reliability of geotechnical structures. Karhunen–Loève (KL) series expansion is an effective approach to characterize such features of soil properties. Acquiring solution for Fredholm integral equation of the second type is a necessary prerequisite; however, the corresponding analytical expressions are only available for limited circumstances. To overcome this challenge, a newly proposed method called Chebyshev–Galerkin–KL expansion was developed to discretize the random fields of soil parameters, from which the approximated eigenvalues and eigenfunctions can be obtained using the Chebyshev orthogonal polynomials of the second kind combined with Galerkin technique. Application of the proposed approach is illustrated through reliability analysis of an unsaturated slope example under different rainfall patterns, where the uncertainty in selection of a “best” soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) model and statistical uncertainties in SWCC model parameters are taken into account. Results show that the developed approach is feasible to generate random fields with sufficient accuracy. Under a constant rainfall duration, the Advanced pattern may lead to shallow landslide with the highest probability, followed by Intermediate and Delayed. It should be noted that Bayesian inference and determination of optimal SWCC model should be carried out prior to reliability analysis. Otherwise, the landslide risk level would be exaggerated.

The strength and deformation properties of maritime geotechnical structures made primarily of calcareous sand are critical for project safety. The geogrid reinforcement is developed as a promising approach to improve the mechanical properties of calcareous sand. This study investigates the mechanical property of biomodified geogrid via a microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) process to improve the effectiveness of geogrid for reinforcement of calcareous sand. A series of unconsolidated undrained triaxial experiments were conducted to evaluate the mechanical property and deformation behaviors of biomodified geogrid and reinforced calcareous sand (BGRCS), taking into consideration the impacts of the geogrid layer, times of biotreatment, and confining pressure. Compared to the untreated geogrid, the strength of the BGRCS is distinctly changed due to the increase roughness, and the deviatoric stress-strain curves are evidently hardening. Strength and pseudocohesive force can be further enhanced by raising the geogrid layer of the reinforced specimens, while internal friction angle also increases the amplitude of variation with the times of biotreatment. The geogrid, times of biotreatment, and confining pressure are all intimately related to the strength and the deformation of the reinforced specimens. The interactions of geogrid ribs and calcareous sand particles are analyzed and friction using scanning electron microscope tests that could provide a reference for revealing the mechanical mechanism of BGRCS.