Two- and three-dimensional bearing-capacity solutions for footings on two-layered clays

Abstract

In this paper, finite element analysis is used to predict the undrained bearing capacity of strip, square and circular footings resting on layered clays. The soil profile consists of two clay layers with different thicknesses and properties. The results are compared with previous solutions for strip footings on layered clays. The bearing-capacity behaviour is discussed and the bearing-capacity factors are given for various cases involving a range of layer thicknesses and properties of the two clay soil layers.

Keywords:

• Deformation
• Numerical modelling
• Strip footing
• Square footing
• Circular footing
• Layered soils
• Bearing capacity
• Bearing-capacity factor
• Clays