Bearing Capacity of a Coulomb Plate on Elastic Foundation

Abstract

The bearing capacity of an infinite plate resting on elastic foundation is determined assuming that the plate material is rigid-plastic satisfying the Coulomb yield criterion. The sandwich idealization of the plate is utilized and the Coulomb criterion is developed for this plate. The bearing capacity is determined using the method of limit analysis. The analysis shows that the plastic bending of the Coulomb plate is associated with the development of compressive forces which increase the limit moment and therefore the bearing capacity. An example of applying the analysis results is given by determining the bearing capacity of floating ice sheets.