Numerical modelling of skirted foundations under vertical loads

Abstract

In the construction of civil structures, the strength of the foundation is of high importance. Thus, engineers face many challenges, such as bearing capacity, settlement and high groundwater level, particularly if the structure is on sandy soil. To deal with these problems, solutions have been proposed, one of which is the use of skirted foundations. In this method, walls skirt the surface foundation and are buried deep in the soil. In this study, numerical analysis, taking into account the parameters of different lengths of skirted foundation walls, different percentages of soil densities and wall thickness, has been used to investigate skirted foundations under static loads. On the basis of the obtained results, a series of charts are presented for estimating bearing capacity improvement. Skirted foundations resting on denser sand provide better results in terms of bearing capacity than foundations resting on medium and loose sand.