The upper bound shakedown analysis of strip footing on cohesive slopes under repeated vertical–horizontal loads

Abstract

Many foundations, such as those of industrial equipment, offshore structures and wind turbines, have to operate under repeated loads. Shakedown analysis is a powerful method that yields a straightforward calculation of a load limit below which the foundation will be stable under repeated loading. In this article, using the upper bound shakedown theorem by means of displacement finite element method and nonlinear programming, the shakedown limit of strip footing on cohesive slopes under simultaneous horizontal and vertical repeated loads is investigated. The results are presented in the form of dimensionless charts. The effect of the cohesion and unit weight of the soil, the distance of the footing from the crest of the slope, and the angle of the slope, on the shakedown failure envelope, is studied.