Bearing capacity improvement of anisotropic sand ground

Abstract

Bearing capacity of anisotropic sand beds beneath structures subjected to monotonic and cyclic loadings was experimentally elucidated. Using a model ground of Toyoura sand prepared by the air-pluviation method, a series of loading tests on model structures under several foundation conditions was carried out. Firstly, the effect of fabric anisotropy on bearing capacity and its mobilisation mechanism was revealed, and secondly the applicability of countermeasures constructed by side walls and sheet piles on the bearing capacity was investigated on sand deposits with fabric anisotropy. The test results showed that fabric anisotropy of sand deposits affects the bearing capacity remarkably under monotonic and cyclic loading conditions, and that constructions of side wall and sheet piles are advantageous as countermeasures against ground failures, although their prevention effects on bearing capacity vary with the changes in depositional conditions.