Automated procedure to derive convex failure envelope formulations for circular surface foundations under six degrees of freedom loading. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Suryasentana, Stephen K.; Burd, Harvey J.; Byrne, Byron W.; Shonberg, Avi
• Is Part Of: Computers and geotechnics. Volume 137(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Bearing capacity -- Failure -- Foundations -- Soil-structure interaction -- Offshore engineering -- Numerical modelling; Engineering geology -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Soil mechanics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Rock mechanics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 624.1510285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compgeo.2021.104174
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-352X

Abstract

Abstract: Failure envelope formulations are typically employed to assess the ultimate capacity of foundations under combined loading and for incorporation in macro-element models. However, the complex interaction between each load component, especially for six degree of freedom (6DoF) loading, means that determining satisfactory formulations is often a complex process. Previous researchers have identified this difficulty as an obstacle to the adoption of the failure envelope approach in foundation engineering applications. To address this issue, the paper describes a systematic procedure for deriving globally convex failure envelope formulations; the procedure is applied to a circular surface foundation, bearing on undrained clay, in 6DoF load space. The formulations are shown to closely represent the failure load combinations determined from finite element analyses for a variety of loading conditions, including non-planar horizontal-moment loading. An example macro-element model based on the proposed formulation is described; the macro-element model provides a close representation of the foundation behaviour determined from a separate finite element analysis. A key aspect of the paper is that it demonstrates an automated process to determine well-behaved failure envelope formulations. The automated nature of the process has considerable advantages over the manual procedures that have previously been employed to determine failure envelope formulations.