NPTEL – ADVANCED FOUNDATION ENGINEERING-I

Module 3
Lecture 12
SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS: ULTIMATE BEARING
CAPACITY

Topics

1.1 RECENT ADVANCES IN BEARING CAPACITY OF

FOUNDATIONS ON REINFORCED SOIL
1.2 FOUNDATIONS ON SAND WITH GEOTEXTILE
REINFORCEMENT
1.3 FOUNDATIONS ON SATURATED CLAY (𝝓𝝓 = 𝟎𝟎) WITH
GEOTEXTILE REINFORCEMENT
1.4 FOUNDATIONS ON SAND WITH GEOGRID
REINFORCEMENT
1.5 STRIP FOUNDATIONS ON SATURATED CLAY
(𝝓𝝓 = 𝟎𝟎) WITH GEOGRID REINFORCEMENT
1.6 PROBLEMS
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RECENT ADVANCES IN BEARING CAPACITY OF FOUNDATIONS ON

REINFORCED SOIL

During the last fifteen years, several studies have been conducted to evaluate the
beneficial effects of reinforcing the soil as related to the bearing capacity of shallow
foundations. The soil reinforcements that have been used are metallic strips, geotextiles,
and geogrids. The design of shallow foundations with metallic strips as reinforcement in
discussed in chapter 4. The following sections described some recent advances that have
been made in evaluating the ultimate bearing capacity of foundations on soils reinforced
with geotextiles and geomembranes.

FOUNDATIONS ON SAND WITH GEOTEXTILE REINFORCEMENT

Laboratory model tests for determining the bearing capacity of a square foundations
supported by loose sand (relatively density = 50%) and reinforced by layers of nonwoven
heat-bonded geotextiles have been reported by Guido et al. (1985). Some of their test
results are shown in figure 3.32. For these tests, several parameters were varied:
𝑑𝑑, ∆𝐻𝐻, and 𝐿𝐿𝑜𝑜 (figure 3.32); number of layers of geotextile, 𝑁𝑁; and tensile strength of
geotextile, 𝜎𝜎𝐺𝐺 . In general, results show that, when the geotextile layers are placed within
a depth equal to the width of the foundation, they increase the load bearing capacity of
the foundation-but only after a measurable settlement has occurred. This result is logical
because the geotextile layers have to deform before their reinforcing benefits can be
realized.
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Figure 3.32 Bearing capacity test on square foundation on loose sand with geotextile
reinforcement; 𝑁𝑁 = numbers of layers of reinforcement (based on the model test results
of Guido et al., 1985)

FOUNDATIONS ON SATURATED CLAY (𝝓𝝓 = 𝟎𝟎) WITH GEOTEXTILE

REINFORCEMENT

Studies relating to determination of the bearing capacity of a shallow foundation

supported by a saturated clay layer reinforced by geotextile, similar to that described in
section 13, are rather limited. Sakti and Das (1987) reported some model test results on
the bearing capacity of a strip foundation on saturated clay. They used a heat-bonded
nonwoven geotextile for reinforcement (grab tensile strength = 534 N). Some of the load-
settlement curves thus derived are shown in figure 3.33.

Figure 3.33 Bearing capacity test of strip footing on saturated clay with geotextile
reinforcement; 𝑁𝑁 = number of layers reinforcement (based on the results of Sakti and
Das, 1987)

From those tests, the following general conclusions may be drawn:

1. Beneficial effects of geotextile reinforcement are realized when reinforcement is

placed within a distance equal to the width of the foundation.
2. The first layer of geotextile reinforcement should be placed at a distance 𝑑𝑑 =
0.35𝐵𝐵 (𝐵𝐵 = foundation width) for maximum benefit.
3. The most economical value of 𝐿𝐿𝑜𝑜 /𝐵𝐵 is about 2. (See figure 3.32a for a definition
of 𝐿𝐿𝑜𝑜 ).

FOUNDATIONS ON SAND WITH GEOGRID REINFORCEMENT

NPTEL – ADVANCED FOUNDATION ENGINEERING-I

As pointed out in section 13 and 14, the ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations
increase when geotextiles are used for soil reinforcement. However, when the width of a
shallow foundation is greater than about 3 ft (1 m), the design is primarily controlled by
settlement rather than the ultimate bearing capacity. Figure 3.32 indicates that the
flexibility of geotextiles does not improve load-bearing capacity at limited levels of
settlement. For that reason, several studies of the possible use of geogrid layers as
reinforcement in sand to support shallow foundations have been made (e.g., Guido et al.,
1986; Guido et al., 1987; Khing et al., 1993 Omar et al., 1993a and 1993b). All were
conducted in the laboratory on small-scale models. The results are summarized in this
section.

Figure 3.34 shows a rectangular foundation of width B and length L being supported on a
sand layer with N layers of geogrid as reinforcement. Each layer of reinforcement had
dimensions of 2𝐿𝐿𝑜𝑜 × 2𝐿𝐿𝑞𝑞 . The first layer of reinforcement is located at a depth d from the
bottom of the foundation. The total depth of geogrid reinforcement from the bottom of
the foundation may be given as

Figure 3.34 Rectangular foundation on sand with geogrid reinforcement

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Figure 3.35 General form of load-settlement curves for unreinforced soil and soil with
geogrid reinforcement supporting a foundation

Figure 3.36 Nature of variation of 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑢𝑢 with 𝑑𝑑/𝐵𝐵 for given values of 𝐿𝐿𝑜𝑜 /𝐵𝐵, 𝐿𝐿1 /𝐵𝐵,
Δ𝐻𝐻/𝐵𝐵, and 𝑁𝑁
NPTEL – ADVANCED FOUNDATION ENGINEERING-I

Figure 3.37 Variation of 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑢𝑢 with 𝑢𝑢/𝐵𝐵

𝑢𝑢 = 𝑑𝑑 + (𝑁𝑁 − 1)(∆𝐻𝐻)
[87]

In general, for any 𝑑𝑑, 𝑁𝑁, ∆𝐻𝐻, 𝐿𝐿𝑜𝑜 , and 𝐿𝐿1 , the load-settlement curve for a foundation with
and without geogrid reinforcement will be as shown in figure 3.35. Based on this
concept, the increase in the bearing capacity due to reinforcement may be expressed in
nondimensional form as
𝑞𝑞 𝑢𝑢 (𝑅𝑅)
𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑢𝑢 = 𝑞𝑞 𝑢𝑢
[88]

And
𝑞𝑞 (𝑅𝑅)
𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑢𝑢 = 𝑞𝑞 𝑜𝑜
[89]

Where

𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑢𝑢 = bearing capacity ratio with respect to the ultimate bearing capacity

𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑢𝑢 = bearing capacity ratio at given settlement level, 𝑆𝑆, for the foundation

𝑞𝑞(𝑅𝑅) , 𝑞𝑞𝑜𝑜 = load per unit area of the foundation (at a settlement level 𝑆𝑆 ≤ 𝑆𝑆𝑢𝑢 ) With
and without geogrid reinforcement, respectively
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𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢(𝑅𝑅) , 𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢 =
ultimate bearing capacity with and without geogrid reinforcement, respectively

For a foundation on sand, the magnitude of 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑢𝑢 generally varies with 𝑑𝑑/𝐵𝐵 as shown in
figure 3.36. Beyond a critical value of 𝑑𝑑/𝐵𝐵[𝑑𝑑/𝐵𝐵 ≥ (𝑑𝑑/𝐵𝐵)𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 ], the magnitude of 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑢𝑢
will decrease. With other parameters remaining constant, if the number of geogrid layers,
N, is increased (thus increasing 𝑢𝑢/𝐵𝐵), the value of 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑢𝑢 will increase to a maximum at
𝑢𝑢/𝐵𝐵 = (𝑢𝑢/𝐵𝐵)𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 and remains virtually constant thereafter (figure 3.37). Similarly, there is
a critical value of 𝐿𝐿𝑜𝑜 /𝐵𝐵 = (𝐿𝐿𝑜𝑜 /𝐵𝐵)𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 and 𝐿𝐿1 /𝐵𝐵 = (𝐿𝐿1 /𝐵𝐵)𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 at which the magnitudes of
𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑢𝑢 will nearly reach a maximum. Figure 3.38 shows the variation of 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑢𝑢 with 𝑢𝑢/𝐵𝐵
for various magnitudes of the 𝐵𝐵/𝐿𝐿 ratio of the foundation. Based on their experimental
results, Omar et al. (1993a) provided the following empirical relationships:

Figure 3.38 Variation of 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑢𝑢 with 𝑢𝑢/𝐵𝐵 for 𝑑𝑑/𝐵𝐵 = Δ𝐻𝐻/𝐵𝐵 = 0.333 (after Omar et al.,
1993a)
𝑢𝑢 𝐵𝐵 B
�𝐵𝐵 � = 2 − 1.4 � 𝐿𝐿 � �for 0 ≤ ≤ 0.5�
𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 L
[90]
𝑢𝑢 𝐵𝐵 B
�𝐵𝐵 � = 1.43 − 0.26 � 𝐿𝐿 � �for 0.5 ≤ ≤ 1.0�
𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 L
[91]
𝑑𝑑
�𝐵𝐵 � ≈ 0.9 − 1.0
𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
[92]

𝐿𝐿 𝐵𝐵 0.51
� 𝐵𝐵𝑜𝑜 � = 4 − 1.75 � 𝐿𝐿 �
𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
[93]
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𝐿𝐿 𝐵𝐵 𝐿𝐿
� 𝐵𝐵𝑜𝑜 � = 1.75 � 𝐿𝐿 � + 2𝐵𝐵
𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
[94]

Omar et al. (1993b) also showed that, for similar soil and geogrid reinforcement systems,
𝑑𝑑/𝐵𝐵 = 0.25 to about 0.4:
𝐵𝐵
𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑢𝑢 ≈ 1.7 to 1.8 (𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑠𝑠 ) �for = 0�
𝐿𝐿
[95]

And
𝐵𝐵
𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑢𝑢 ≈ 1.4 to 1.45 (𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑠𝑠 ) �for = 1�
𝐿𝐿
[96]

Based on the preliminary model test results, geogrids apparently can be used to soil
reinforcement to increase the ultimate and allowable bearing capacity of shallow
foundations. Design methodologies are expected to be developed soon for field
applications. Additional information on this topic may also be found in the works of
Yetimogly et al. (1994) and Adams and Collin (1997).

STRIP FOUNDATIONS ON SATURATED CLAY (𝝓𝝓 = 𝟎𝟎) WITH GEOGRID

REINFORCEMENT

Shin et al. (1993) reported laboratory model test results for the ultimate bearing capacity
of a surface strip foundation on saturated clay (𝜙𝜙 = 0) with geogrid reinforcement.
Unlike the results of the tests conducted in sand, in this case

𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑢𝑢 = 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑠𝑠 = 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵

[97]

Also, the ultimate bearing capacity with and without reinforcement, 𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢(𝑅𝑅) and 𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢 ,
occurred at similar settlement levels (𝑆𝑆𝑢𝑢 /𝐵𝐵 ≈ 𝑆𝑆𝑢𝑢(𝑅𝑅) /𝐵𝐵-see figure 3.35). Figures 3.39,
3.40, and 3.41 show the variations of 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑢𝑢 = 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑠𝑠 = 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 with 𝑑𝑑/𝐵𝐵, 2𝐿𝐿𝑜𝑜 /𝐵𝐵, and N (or
𝑢𝑢/𝐵𝐵). Based on these model test results, Shin et al. (1993) determined the following
parameters:
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Figure 3.39 Variation of 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 with 𝑑𝑑/𝐵𝐵 for 𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑢 = 3.14 kN/m2 , Δ𝐻𝐻/𝐵𝐵 = 0.333 and
𝑁𝑁 = 4 (after Shin et al., 1993)

Figure 3.40 Variation of 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 with 2𝐿𝐿𝑜𝑜 𝑑𝑑/𝐵𝐵 for 𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑢 = 3.14 kN/m2 , Δ𝐻𝐻/𝐵𝐵 = 0.333 and
𝑁𝑁 = 4 (after Shin et al., 1993
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Figure 3.41 Variation of 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 with 𝑁𝑁(𝑖𝑖. 𝑒𝑒. , 𝑢𝑢/𝐵𝐵) for 2𝐿𝐿𝑜𝑜 /𝐵𝐵 = 4, 𝑑𝑑/𝐵𝐵 = 0.4, and Δ𝐻𝐻/
𝐵𝐵 = 0.333 (after Shin et al., 1993
𝑑𝑑 2𝐿𝐿𝑜𝑜
�𝐵𝐵 � ≈ 0.4 � � ≈ 4.0 to 4.5
𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝐵𝐵 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐

𝑑𝑑 𝑢𝑢
�𝐵𝐵 � ≈ 0.9 − 1.0 �𝐵𝐵 � ≈ 1.8
𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐

PROBLEMS

1. For the following cases, determine the allowable gross vertical load-bearing
capacity of the foundation. Use Terzaghi’s equation and assume general shear
failure in soil. Use FS = 4.

Part 𝐵𝐵 𝐷𝐷𝑙𝑙 𝜙𝜙 𝑐𝑐 𝛾𝛾 Foundation

type
a. 3 ft 3 ft 28° 400 lb 110 lb Continuous
/ft 2 /ft 3
17.8 kN
/m3
b. 1.5 m 1.2 m 35° 0 Continuous
c. 3m 2m 30° 0 16.5 kN square
/m3
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2. A square column foundation has to carry a gross allowable load of

1805 kN (𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 = 3). Given: 𝐷𝐷𝑓𝑓 = 1.5 m, 𝛾𝛾 = 15.9 kN/m3 , 𝜙𝜙 = 34° , and 𝑐𝑐 = 0.
Use Terzaghi’s equation to determine the size of the foundation (B). Assume
general shear failure.
3. A column foundation (figure P-5) is 3m × 2 m in plan. Given: 𝐷𝐷𝑓𝑓 = 1.5 𝑚𝑚, 𝜙𝜙 =
25° , 𝑐𝑐 = 50 kN/m2 . Using equation (25) and FS = 4, determine the net allowable
load [see equation (20)] the foundation could carry.

Figure P-5

4. For the design of a shallow foundation, given the following:

Soil: 𝜙𝜙 = 20°
𝑐𝑐 = 72 kN/m2
Unit weight, γ = 17 kN/m3
Modulus of elasticity, 𝐸𝐸 = 1020 kN/m2
Poisson’s ratio, 𝜇𝜇 = 0.35

Foundation:
𝐿𝐿 = 1.5 m
𝐵𝐵 = 1 m
𝐷𝐷𝑓𝑓 = 1 m

Calculate the ultimate bearing capacity.

5. An eccentrically loaded foundation is shown in figure P-9. Use an FS of 4 and

determine the maximum allowable load that the foundation can carry.
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Figure P-9

6. An eccentrically loaded foundation is shown in figure P-10. Determine the

ultimate load, 𝑄𝑄𝑢𝑢 , that the foundation can carry.

Figure P-10

7. Find the gross ultimate load that the footing shown in figure P-11 can carry.
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Figure P-11

8. Figure P-12 shows a continuous foundation

a. If H = 1.5 m, determine the ultimate bearing capacity, 𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢 .

b. At what minimum value of H/B will the clay layer not have any effect on the
ultimate bearing capacity of the foundation?

Figure P-12
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