Influence of Water Table On Bearing Capacity of Adjacent Strip Footings On Sand Exhibiting Anisotropy

Abstract

It is possible that many footings become inundated due to a rising water table or flooding at some stage during their structural life. The effect of water table on the ultimate bearing capacity of footings on anisotropic soils has not get received much attention. The purpose of this investigation therefore was to study the effect of water table on the ultimate bearing capacity of adjacent strip footings on Toyoura sand possessing anisotropy in the angle of internal friction using the method of characteristics. It was found that the influence of water table on the shape of stability lines is considerable and is negligible for the location of maximum pressure for both isolated and interfering footings. The results show that due to the effect of water table, the ultimate bearing capacity can be reduced by 38% for Toyoura sand. The study also revealed that the influence of anisotropy in the angle of internal friction for Toyoura sand on the ultimate bearing capacity of adjacent footings for a given depth of water table was considerable.