Effect of Embedment Depth on the Seismic Bearing Capacity of Strip Footing in Rock Mass

Abstract

This study presents the numerical solution for the seismic bearing capacity of embedded strip footing in Hoek–Brown rock mass. The upper-bound solutions are presented by employing the finite-element limit analysis. The influence of various parameters namely, geological strength index (GSI), yield parameter of the rock (mi), rock strength ratio (σci/γB), embedment depth ratio (d/B), and the horizontal seismic coefficient (kh) on the seismic bearing capacity factor (N) of strip footing is assessed. The results are presented as design tables and charts for a wide range of parameters. A parametric study is performed and a discussion on the influence of each parameter on the seismic bearing capacity factor is made. The influence of the considered parameters on the failure pattern is highlighted. It is noted that the lateral extent of the failure surface increases with an increase in the depth of embedment which has a positive influence on the seismic bearing capacity of strip footing.