Failure Envelopes for Strip Footings on Sand Overlying Non-homogeneous Clay Under Combined Loading

This paper applies the finite element limit analysis by using the average of upper and lower bound theorems to evaluate the bearing capacity of rough strip footings on sand overlying non-homogeneous clay under eccentric-inclined loads. The adaptive meshing technique is used to improve the results of the bearing capacity factors. The effect of the thickness of the sand layer, the strength non-homogeneity, and the eccentric-inclined load are investigated. Both swipe and probe loadings are used to identify the failure envelopes and the failure mechanisms for a strip footing under vertical, horizontal, and moment loads. New results and failure envelopes are presented by considering the effects of the clay non-homogeneity.