Model Tests and Analyses of Bearing Capacity of Strip Footing on Stiff Ground with Voids

Abstract

A series of 1G loading tests under the plane-strain condition were conducted on stiff ground with continuous square voids with the view of shallow foundation on calcareous sediment rocks, which contain voids because of their susceptibility to water dissolution. Detailed experimental observation revealed three types of failure modes for a single void: bearing failure without void failure, bearing failure with void failure, and void failure without bearing failure, depending on the location of the void as well as the size of the void. Upper-bound calculations were presented to interpret the changes of bearing capacity observed because of the existence of a void.