Theoretical and experimental modeling of settlement of rigid footing over collapsible soil

This paper presents a theoretical model describing the behavior of rigid square footing subjected to centric vertical loading for shallow foundations on collapsible (meta-stable structured) soils. The model is developed following the generalization of the Winkler concept of sub-grade reaction in order to consider the elasto-plastic behavior of footing upon yielding. Furthermore, the model has been modified to simulate the collapse mechanism of collapsible soils by different modes of saturation. The microscopic load-deformation behavior of phenomenon of collapse is accounted through the method of incremental plasticity. Experimental tests including direct shear tests, collapse analysis (single oedometer tests), electromagnetic tests and bearing capacity tests were conducted to obtain the constitutive parameters of the model. The model response closely exhibits the experimental results.