Finite Element Study Using FE Code (PLAXIS) on the Geotechnical Behavior of Shell Footings

Abstract

This study describes a study on the geotechnical behavior of shell footing using a non-linear finite element analysis with a finite element code, PLAXIS. The shell footing is found to have a better load carrying capacity compared with the conventional slab/flat footing of similar cross sectional area. The FE analysis also showed a reasonably good agreement with the laboratory experimental results. The effect of adding edge beams at the bottom of the shell footings has been studied numerically and found to be beneficial in increasing the load carrying capacity of the footing. The effect of increasing the embedment ratio is found to increase the load carrying capacity of the shell footings