Ultimate bearing capacity of strip footings on Hoek-Brown rock slopes – A stress characteristics solution

Abstract

The present study addresses the ultimate bearing capacity of strip footings on rock slopes under seismic conditions. The stress characteristics method (SCM) is combined with the modified pseudo-dynamic (MPD) approach for the intended purpose. Unlike the solutions available in the literature, the generation of the stress characteristics network within the framework of the SCM automates the potential failure mechanism of the slope medium at the limiting state of collapse. The MPD approach enables the analysis to capture realistic earthquake inertia forces induced in the slope, considering the material damping properties of the slope. The non-linear nature of the rock mass strength is captured using the generalized Hoek-Brown failure criterion. The seismic ultimate bearing capacity of strip footings is reported as non-dimensional charts. Additionally, the impact of relevant dynamic characteristics of seismic waves and rock mass properties is thoroughly assessed by conducting a detailed parametric investigation. The results reveal a substantial reduction in the ultimate bearing capacity of footings resting on rock slopes under earthquake conditions. The efficacy of the proposed methodology is validated with the existing solutions reported by various researchers.