Undrained failure envelope for skirted foundations under general loading

Abstract

Three-dimensional failure envelopes can be used to define the bearing capacity and proximity to failure of shallow foundations under general vertical, horizontal and moment loading (V, H, M/B). Different structures, and different load cases for the same structure, cover varying domains of (±V, ±H, ±M/B) load space; therefore, a fully encompassing failure envelope in (V, H, M/B) load space is a useful tool to define ultimate limit states for design. In this technical note, a closed-form expression is proposed that enables prediction of undrained bearing capacity of skirted foundations under general in-plane loading, valid for a range of embedment ratios and soil shear strength heterogeneities.