## 4 Conclusions  
Based on the probabilistic analysis presented in the paper, the following remarks and conclusions are made:  
* The proposed Monte Carlo simulation-based material variability definition of an FE model allows for an alternative advanced analysis, competitive with the use of three-dimensional random fields;
* There is a possibility to create specific FE models with a relatively regular FE mesh to directly implement the randomly generated data from simple pre-generated external procedures, supporting the presented approach;
* It is optimal to sub-divide the subsoil domain into smaller sub-volumes and to sequentially represent them by unique, independently generated random geotechnical parameters;
* Although the subsoil parameters are assumed identical Gaussian variables (the same \(\mu_{E}\) and \(\sigma_{E}\) are used to generate their parameters in subsequent computations), the global variability description of the FE model is defined the other way: it significantly affects the standard deviation scatter of the foundation settlement, while the mean values are unchanged;
* From an engineering standpoint, a high result scatter in probabilistic settlement response is unacceptable; thus, modelling the entire random subsoil by a single variable (even with its parameters supported by real-life surveys) is improper;
* Unjustified result dispersion may be reduced, e.g., by introducing truncated (bounded) input variables; however, it is contrary to the natural high variability of soil parameters, displayed by real-life in situ measurements;
* The proposed number of unique random geotechnical parameters is about 12.5% of the total number of FE elements of the model to balance modelling accuracy with the numerical quality of the solutions;
* The method to assign material parameters to finite elements is considered general, and it allows covering subsoil parameters other than [PERSON]'s modulus, e.g., yield parameters, cohesion, internal friction angles, and porosity; however, to analyse the impact of all decisive parameters of the adopted soil model, an appropriate parametric analysis should be provided.  
This paper finds it advantageous to incorporate relatively simple and regular FE models, with their randomness attributed to a set of randomly generated parameters assigned to adjacent finite elements. An approximate optimal ratio of these parameters to the total number of finite elements is proposed. Hence, simplified, engineer-oriented modelling produces computationally efficient, engineering-sound solutions.  
Conceptualization, J.G.; methodology, K.Z., K.W., and J.G.; software, K.Z.; validation, K.Z. and K.W.; formal analysis, K.Z.; investigation, K.Z. and K.W.; resources, K.Z. and K.W.; data curation, K.Z. and K.W.; writing--original draft preparation, K.W.; writing--review and editing, K.W.; visualization, K.Z. and K.W.; supervision, K.W.; project administration, J.G.; funding acquisition, K.W. and J.G. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
The APC was funded by the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, Gdansk 80-233, Poland.  
Not applicable.  
Data Availability Statement: Data available on request from the corresponding author.