Foundation bearing capacity estimation on unsaturated soil slope under transient flow condition using slip line method. (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Mengxi; Vanapalli, Sai K.
• Is Part Of: Computers and geotechnics. Volume 148(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: Bearing capacity -- Unsaturated soil slope -- Transient flow -- Slip line theory; Engineering geology -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Soil mechanics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Rock mechanics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 624.1510285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compgeo.2022.104804
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-352X

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, an analytical method is proposed for estimating the bearing capacity of soil within the framework of slip line theory. The method incorporates a closed-form solution taking account the transient unsaturated vertical flow conditions. The proposed framework is validated for both level and sloping ground scenarios considering saturated and unsaturated soil conditions. More specifically, the bearing capacity of a strip foundation located on an unsaturated soil slope under the influence of different rainfall infiltration conditions is evaluated. A comprehensive parametric study is also conducted taking account the influence of the rainfall influx, rainfall duration, slope angle, foundation setback distance, soil type, and the depth of the ground water table. In addition, the contribution of matric suction towards the bearing capacity under transient flow conditions is evaluated. Results of this study provide a rigorous understanding of the performance of foundations on sloping ground extending the mechanics of unsaturated soils.