Shaking table test of failure of a shallow foundation subjected to an eccentric load

Abstract

Many models have been developed to solve geotechnical problems, but their validation is only possible by a parallel experimental analysis on real works. In this sense, a well controlled experiment was carried out on a shallow foundation resting on a dry coarse Leighton Buzzard sand. A flexible shear stack was filled with a uniform relative density Leighton Buzzard sand. The foundation was subjected to a vertical eccentric load and to a sine dwell-type acceleration transmitted from a shaking table over which the shear stack was located. The dynamic response of both the soil and the foundation was checked by means of a complex network of accelerometers and displacement transducers. To have a detailed description of the behaviour of the footing under the seismic motion, four coloured layers of sand were introduced into the deposit at different depths. By measuring the displacements of the coloured layers, carefully excavated after the test, it was possible to investigate the experimental failure mechanism. It was then compared with the theoretical failure mechanism and the seismic bearing capacity was evaluated.