Shallow Foundations on Homogeneous Soil

Abstract

This chapter deals with single shallow foundations resting on homogeneous soil. Calculations of various loads (vertical, horizontal, and bending moment) a foundation can withstand are explained in details in this chapter. The calculations were performed to satisfy both bearing capacity and elastic settlement requirements. For the bearing capacity condition, the effects of many factors were considered in the analyses such as various loading conditions, foundation shapes, foundation embedment, soil compressibility, and groundwater table. Then again, the effects of several factors were considered in the elastic settlement analyses such as foundation rigidity, foundation embedment, and variation in the elastic modulus of soil with depth. Additionally, a step-by-step procedure is introduced in this chapter to develop bearing capacity and elastic settlement design charts which can be useful in the design process of shallow foundations. A number of design problems are also presented in this chapter and their solutions are explained in details. These problems were first hand-solved, and then, resolved using the Shallow-1 application of the foundationPro program. Finally, a set of design projects is suggested at the end of this chapter to allow the reader practice the concepts learned.