Shallow foundations - experimental study under static and cyclic loading

The aim of this paper is to present the results of an experimental study performed on two soils (silt and sand) concerning the behaviour of shallow foundations under cyclic loading. First it describes the soils, and the loading procedures adopted. Then it presents the experimental results (limit bearing capacity Q,, settlements and creeps characteristics) obtained under vertical centric static loading and the mains results obtained with the same foundation under cyclic loading. These last results are compared with those obtained under static loading and the effect of the amplitude of cycle (DeltaQ = Q(max) - Q(min)) and of the level of loading (Q(max)/Q(1)) on the foundation settlement are analysed. Finally, for the soils tested, practical rules are proposed for the design of shallow foundations under cyclic loading.