Numerical studies of the bearing capacity of shallow foundations on cohesive soil subjected to combined loading

Abstract

This paper presents the results of three-dimensional finite-element analyses of circular foundations on the surface of homogeneous, purely cohesive soil. The foundations were assumed to adhere fully to the soil, and compressive, tensile and shear stresses may develop at the interface between the footing and the soil. The predicted ultimate response of the foundations to combined vertical, moment and horizontal loading was compared with other available theoretical predictions. A three-dimensional failure locus is presented for these foundations, based on the numerical predictions. An equation that approximates the shape of the failure locus is also suggested, and this provides a convenient means of calculating the bearing capacity of circular foundations on a uniform clay and subjected to combined loading.