Centrifugal Modeling of Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations on Sands

Abstract

A discrepancy between theoretical and experimental findings led researchers to study shallow footings under plane-strain conditions more carefully. A better understanding of the behavior of granular material under different stress levels and strain conditions prompted further research. An experimental program was instituted to consider the factors that affect the theoretical assumptions. The authors of this paper used a centrifuge to study the effects of load eccentricity, load inclination, and initial burial on the bearing capacity of shallow strip footings on a dense sand. Fine silica sand was used. Three adjacent footings of the same width along one line were tested to determine the plane-strain condition. Footings were loaded with a stiff mechanism to provide uniform displacement, subjecting the middle footing to a plane-strain condition. Test results reveal that plane-strain conditions were modeled using this design. Experimental values of bearing capacity factors are presented and compared to theoretical values obtained in other research. Results demonstrate that the linear pressure distribution at the base of the footing is a good estimation of observed behavior. Further, single-sided failure always occurs regardless of load eccentricity and inclination. Also, failure occurs in a progressive manner.