Effect of shape on bearing capacity of embedded footings on reinforced foundation beds over soft non-homogeneous ground

Abstract

The paper presents the effect of shape on bearing capacity of footings on reinforced foundation bed over soft non-homogeneous ground. The model considered for study consists of a two-layered system of granular fill over soft non-homogeneous ground with a single horizontal layer of geosynthetic reinforcement in the granular fill. Meyerhof’s punching mode of failure for footings on dense sand overlying soft homogeneous clay is extended to include the effects of non-homogeneity of soft ground and the axial resistance of the reinforcement to pullout. Shape of footing is an important parameter that influences the ultimate bearing capacity of ground/soil. Solutions are given for strip, square, circular and rectangular footings on both unreinforced as well as reinforced granular beds. A parametric study quantifies the contributions of various parameters on the improved bearing capacity of footings upon consideration of non-homogeneity, embedment and reinforcement. Predictions compare well with experimental results in literature.