Numerical Evaluation of Bearing Capacity of Strip Footing on Rockmass Slope

It is common that the structures on the hilly terrain have footings laid on rockmass slopes. For such a case, there is a need to evaluate the factors governing the bearing capacity of the strip footing resting on the rockmass slope. In the study, the bearing capacity of strip footing resting on rockmass slope has been evaluated by finite element limit analysis (FELA). In the FELA, a widely used rock and rockmass non-linear Hoek and Brown model is adopted. The numerical results have been presented in the form of non-dimensional factors N-sigma 0 and N-sigma corresponding to gamma= 0 and y not equal 0, respectively. The effect of rockmass properties and problem geometries such as geological strength index (GSI), yield parameter of intact rock (m(i)), non-dimensional parameter (sigma(ci)/gamma B) ratio, and geometrical properties such as slope angle (beta) and setback ratio (S/B) on bearing capacity factors has been evaluated and presented in the form of design charts. Further, the guidelines on setback ratio are provided at which the bearing capacity of strip footing on rockmass slope is not affected by slope angle.