Fe Prediction of Bearing Capacity Factor of Shallow Foundation under Three-Dimensional Strain Condition

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical model for three dimensional elastoplastic analysis of bearing capacity problems in shallow foundation using a displacement formulation of the finite element method (FEM). The non-linear equation solution strategies and the stress integration algorithm are presented and discussed. The soil foundation is modeled as a non-associative elastoplastic Mohr-Coulomb material. The ultimate bearing capacity factor obtained numerically for various friction and dilatancy angles is compared to solutions by using limit equilibrium, limit analysis, and other three dimensional FEM analyses. Good agreement is observed between them. A parametric study is conducted in order to verify the influence foundation roughness on the ultimate bearing capacity. The results show that there is no significant difference in the ultimate bearing capacity factor.