Bearing Capacity of Strip Footings on Jointed Rock Masses

Abstract

Bearing capacity solutions are presented for strip footings on jointed rock masses with one and two sets of discontinuities. The solutions employ a lower bound bearing capacity model coupled with a simple discontinuity strength model. The strength of the rock material and the discontinuities, and the number and orientation of the discontinuity sets, are evaluated explicitly. The results are presented as bearing capacity factor charts that illustrate the significant effects of the strength and discontinuity geometric parameters. The trends of the results agree well with those obtained from other models. The solution is straightforward, and it can be implemented manually or in any spreadsheet program.