Bearing Capacity of Circular Foundation on Sand Layer of Limited Thickness Underlain by Rigid Rough Base Subjected to Eccentrically Inclined Load

Laboratory model test results for the ultimate bearing capacity of a shallow rough circular surface foundation over a sand layer of limited thickness underlain by a rigid rough base subjected to an eccentrically inclined load have been presented. The sand layer for tests was prepared at a relative density (D-r) of 69 % using five different thicknesses, H. Tests were conducted at H/B values of 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 (B = diameter of foundation). The load eccentricity ratio e/B varied from 0 to 0.15, and the load inclination with the vertical (alpha) was changed from 0 degrees to 20 degrees in 5 degrees increment. Based on the model test result, a reduction factor has been proposed that can be used to estimate the ultimate eccentrically inclined load per unit area of the foundation supported by a sand layer of limited thickness, from the ultimate bearing capacity of a foundation on a sand layer extending to a great depth under an eccentrically inclined load.