Comparative Study of Evaluations of Bearing Capacity Using Conventional Method and Finite Element Method

Abstract

Kathmandu Clay, also called the black clay, found near the sub-surface of the valley sediments, incorporating with its low strength and high compressibility. In this research, the vertical bearing capacity of strip footing on Kathmandu Clay was analyzed using Mohr–Coulomb soil model both in drained and undrained conditions through finite elements. The analyses were focused on the failure patterns of the footing for both drained and undrained conditions. The failure analyses showed a varying degree of effects of the friction angle of the soil both in drained and undrained conditions. The results were further compared with Vesic’s and Prandtl’s methods of evaluating bearing capacities. Hence, obtained results of simulated failure plane and the conventional one preceded by Prandtl show a good agreement between each other and validated the results.