ANALYTICAL SOLUTIONS FOR BEARING CAPACITY OF SPECIAL FOOTINGS

Abstract

The analytical solutions for the bearing capacity of circular footing on sand are analyzed for two special types of footings, namely spudcan footing and skirted circular footing. The bearing capacity solutions utilized limit-equilibrium method proposed by Terzaghi (1943) and numerical solutions found by Kumbhojkar (1993). The numerical values of the bearing capacity factor for special footings are based upon the failure surface restriction by spudcan footing and by the skirted footing. The solutions are presented in the graphical form. The analysis of the result indicates that there is a significant improvement in the bearing capacity using spudcan and skirted footings with Kumbhojker assumptions. The experimental data of the skirted footings by other investigators also indicate an increase in ultimate bearing capacity but the magnitude differs. Further the extent of increase in bearing capacity factors using spudcan and skirted footing provides a scope for fresh look on the application of Terzaghi and Kumbhojker approaches and its assumptions.