Evaluation of Bearing Capacity of Strip Foundation Subjected to Eccentric Inclined Loads Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

In real conditions of structures, foundations like retaining walls, industrial machines and platforms in offshore areas are commonly subjected to eccentrically inclined loads. This type of loading significantly affects the overall stability of shallow foundations due to exposing the foundation into two components of loads (horizontal and vertical) and consequently reduces the bearing capacity. Based on a numerical analysis performed using finite element software (Plaxis 3D Foundation), the behavior of model strip foundation rested on dry sand under the effect of eccentric inclined loads with different embedment ratios (D/B) ranging from (0-1) has been explored. The results display that, the bearing capacity of strip foundation is noticeably decreased with the increase of inclination angle (α) and eccentricity ratio (e/B). As well as, a reduction factor (RF) expression was appointed to measure the degree of decreasing in the bearing capacity when the model footing is subjected to eccentric inclined load. It was observed that, the (RF) decreases as the embedment ratio increases. Moreover, the test results also exhibit that, the model footing bearing capacity is reduced by about (69%) when the load inclination is varied from (0° to 20°) and the model footing is on the surface. While, the rate of decreasing in the bearing capacity was found to be (58%), for both cases of footing when they are at embedment ratios of (0.5 and 1.0). Also, a comparative study was carried out between the present results and previous experimental test results under the same conditions (soil properties and boundary condition). A good agreement was obtained between the predicted bearing capacities for the two related studies.