Seismic Bearing Capacity of Embedded Strip Footing in Sloping Rock Mass Ground

Abstract

The numerical solution for the seismic bearing capacity of embedded strip footing in a sloping ground composed of rock mass is presented. The ground is modeled using the non-linear Hoek–Brown criterion and the upper bound solutions are evaluated using the finite-element limit analysis. The results are presented in the non-dimensional form as seismic bearing capacity factor, which is the ratio of the ultimate seismic bearing capacity to the unconfined compressive strength of the rock. The effect of parameters such as Geological Strength Index, yield parameter of the rock, angle of inclination of the ground, horizontal seismic coefficient, and the embedment depth ratio is evaluated. The impact of each factor on the evolution of the failure surface is highlighted. It is noted that the inclination of the ground has a negative impact on the seismic bearing capacity of the embedded strip footing and should be accounted for in practice.