The consolidation response of skirted foundations in normally consolidated clay

The installation process and the application of preload generate excess pore pressures around skirted foundations in normally consolidated clay. The dissipation of excess pore pressure over time will result in an increase in the vertical uplift capacity as well as greater settlement. A study of the foundation consolidation response is needed to more accurately predict the uplift forces that the foundation can withstand after consolidation during subsequent use or recovery. Moreover, partial consolidation must also be taken into account since in reality, foundations are frequently operational before the maximum capacity is reached. The consolidation response of the skirted foundation studied in this paper comprises the gain of vertical uplift-bearing capacity and the development of settlement. Using the Structured Modified Cam Clay (SMCC) constitutive model and the Remeshing and Interpolation Techniques with Small Strains (RITSS), soil softening due to skirt penetration and strengthening due to excess pore pressure dissipation are analysed. There is a comparison of the effects of aspect ratio, preload ratio, soil strength heterogeneity, and sensitivity on the consolidation response. A prediction approach for the capacity gain after primary consolidation is proposed and fitted curves regarding the evolution of normalised capacity and settlement over time are presented. It is thought that this study can offer recommendations for the skirted foundation design.