Bearing Capacity of Strip Footings Adjacent to Anisotropic Slopes Using the Lower Bound Finite Element Method

Abstract

Overlooking the anisotropic behavior of soil with directional shear strength parameters can lead to unrealistic estimation of the actual limit load. This research is focused on the effect of the shear strength anisotropy on the bearing capacity of surface footings near slopes. The lower bound limit analysis in conjunction with the finite element method and linear programming technique was employed to estimate the limit pressure. The Mohr-Coulomb yield function and an associated flow rule were adopted, and the soil-foundation interface was assumed rough. The limit pressure of the foundation was expressed as a function of effective dimensionless parameters, including the cohesion and internal friction angle anisotropy degrees, slope angle, and the distance from the foundation to the slope. Finally, 3D applied charts were presented to estimate the effect of the anisotropy on the bearing capacity of surface footings near soil slopes.