Bearing Capacity Estimation in Nonlinear Granular Deposits under Reduced Gravity Field: Lunar Applications

Conventional estimation of bearing capacity relies on cohesion, unit weight, and overburden pressure. In granular materials, gravity has a dual influence on bearing capacity. The first contribution comes from passive resistance, which is influenced by the weight of the foundation soil. Additionally, gravity indirectly affects the load-bearing behavior of granular soils by influencing the stress-dependent stiffness and strength parameters. Despite the lack of comprehensive research into the constitutive behavior of lunar soils, it can be assumed that the frictional lunar surface soils may exhibit nonlinear behavior, influenced by stress. This study aims to explore this effect by using the finite difference method analyses. It assumes a stress-dependent nonlinearity for the foundation soil while reducing the gravity level to one-sixth of Earth's. The results show how estimating bearing capacity on lunar soil might differ from terrestrial contexts and offer insights into adjusting conventional bearing capacity equations for lunar construction purposes.