Comparative study on the behavior of square foundations resting on confined sand

The behavior of shallow foundations resting on laterally and (or) vertically confined sand has been investigated using physical and numerical modeling. The models were designed to simulate the frequently constructed raft foundations that are surrounded by sheet-pile walls to support excavation sides of sand underlain by a rock bed. Laboratory tests were carried out utilizing a square foundation model surrounded by rigid steel walls with different depths, resting on sand that was underlain by a rough rigid layer. Varying sand-layer thicknesses and relative densities were utilized. A three-dimensional finite element analysis was conducted to verify the physical-model test results and to infer the performance of full-scale foundations. Based on the results of the experimental and numerical analyses, charts are presented to estimate the enhanced bearing capacity of square foundations resting on confined sand. These charts are presented in terms of bearing capacity of the surface foundation resting on extended sand, sand relative density, wall width to foundation width ratio, and rigid layer depth. Charts are also presented to estimate settlement reductions due to the bearing sand lateral and (or) vertical confinement.