Influence of spatial variability of strength on bearing capacity for unsaturated soil
Influence of spatial variability of strength on bearing capacity for unsaturated soil
Soil, even within a homogeneous layer, exhibits spatial variation in cohesion. Additionally, experimental tests have confirmed that spatial variability in cohesion can occur from changes in soil fabric under unsaturated conditions. Its significant effects on slope stability have been studied comprehensively, but limited to bearing capacity problems. This paper addresses, therefore, an analytical approach that utilises limit state analysis to investigate the influence of spatial variability in cohesion on the bearing capacity of a rigid surface strip footing. The analytical study considered various scenarios, accounting for different suction profiles that addressed the spatial variability in cohesion beneath and alongside the footing. The numerical results demonstrated a 18.5% increase in the ultimate bearing capacity, attributed to the effects of spatial variability in cohesion (changes in soil fabric). Inspection of the obtained failure mechanisms for the modelled scenarios revealed deeper and wider failure patterns when a higher multiplier/increase was applied to a greater cohesion value.
B. J. Shwan
18th European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ECSMGE2024)
C - Risk analysis and safety evaluation
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