Limit Analysis Solutions for Bearing Capacity of Ring Foundations on Rocks Using Hoek–Brown Failure Criterion

Abstract

In this paper, new limit analysis solutions for the bearing capacity of ring foundations on rock masses are presented, where the Hoek–Brown yield criterion is used as a failure criterion for rock masses. The lower and upper bound finite element limit analysis is employed to derive the bearing capacity solutions of ring foundations on rock masses. The ring foundation has internal and external radii. The considered dimensionless parameters include the ratio between the internal radius and the external radius, the yield parameter, and the geological strength index of rock, where the effects of these dimensionless parameters on the bearing capacity factor are investigated. It is found that a high yield parameter or a high geological strength index yields a high value of the bearing capacity factor. When the ratio between the internal radius and the external radius is around 0.25, the bearing capacity factor becomes the largest. The collapse mechanisms of this problem are also examined and discussed in the present study.