Undrained stability of strip footing above voids in two-layered clays by finite element limit analysis

Abstract

Finite element limit analysis (FELA) is used to study the undrained bearing capacity of strip footing above voids in two-layered clays. Based on the FELA results, design charts and equations are provided to calculate the undrained bearing capacity factor Ns. The impact of parameters on Ns also has been investigated, including undrained shear stress ratio of the soil, thickness of the top layer, location, size, width, height and spacing of the voids. The failure mechanisms for a single void maybe classified into three categories: roof failure, combined roof and wall failure, bearing failure without void failure.