Numerical Study on the Ultimate Bearing Capacity of the Strip Foundations on the Inclined Multi-Layered Soil Mass with a Weak Layer

Engineers frequently encounter challenges in designing foundations located above buried structures. In order to examine the effect of partial loading on the bearing capacity of inclined strip foundations situated within weak soil layers, small-scale model tests are conducted. Although thin layers may appear insignificant, they have a considerable influence on the ultimate bearing capacity. To investigate this phenomenon, a series of laboratory model tests were conducted on rigid strip footings positioned on various stratified embankment foundation surfaces. The experimental procedure encompasses different foundation configurations, incorporating variations in material type, thickness, and slope of the thin layers. The results obtained from the laboratory analysis indicate that the eccentricity value significantly affects the bearing capacity of the foundation. Additionally, the bearing capacity is observed to increase as the foundation moves away from the weak layer and the edge of the slope. Notably, the presence of a weak layer at the critical distance of B = 0 results in an additional 43% reduction in the bearing capacity (from 23.75 to 34.07 kPa).