Interference of Two Asymmetric Closely Spaced Strip Footings Resting on Nonhomogeneous and Linearly Elastic Soil Bed

Abstract

This paper presents a study using the FEM on the effect of interference on the settlement of two closely spaced rough rigid strip footings resting on the surface of linearly elastic finite and infinite nonhomogeneous soil beds with the modulus of elasticity linearly varying with the depth. Both symmetric and asymmetric cases with respect to its geometry and applied loading have been considered in the analysis. The finite-element (FE) mesh was created using four-noded isoparametric elements. The results are presented in terms of the interaction factors, which are defined as the ratio of the settlement of the interfering footings with the corresponding value of the settlement of the isolated footing identifying the influence of the size of the footings, loading on the footings, and clear spacing between the footings. The settlement of the interfering footings is observed to be greater than the settlement of the isolated footing of the same width and loading. With an increase in the stiffness of the soil, the effect of interference on the settlement is reduced.