Bearing Capacity of Circular Foundation on a Sand Layer of Limited Thickness Under Eccentrically Inclined Loading

Laboratory model test results for the ultimate load of a circular foundation resting on a sand layer of limited thickness underlain by a rigid rough base and subjected to eccentrically inclined loading are presented. The embedment ratio (to the diameter of the foundation) was varied from zero to one. The load eccentricity and inclination were varied from 0 to 0.150 and 0 degrees to 20 degrees, respectively. Based on the model tests results, a relationship for a reduction factor has been developed. The reduction factor can be used to estimate the ultimate load for a sand layer with limited thickness from the ultimate load for a sand layer extending to a great depth determined by using the existing conventional theories.