The Undrained Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations Subjected to Three-Dimensional Loading Including Torsion

This paper presents a three-dimensional numerical investigation of the undrained bearing capacity of circular, square and rectangular shallow foundations using a finite-element approach. The model was validated against available analytical relationships for ideal cases. The model was then used to extend published envelopes by assessing systematically the effect of soil heterogeneity, skirt depth and foundation geometry on the undrained bearing capacity of circular, square and rectangular shallow foundations subjected to combined V, H, M and T loading. A number of closed-form expressions were developed to predict the failure envelopes under different scenarios.