Bearing capacity of foundations on rock mass using the method of characteristics

Abstract

The method of stress characteristics has been used for computing the ultimate bearing capacity of strip and circular footings placed on rock mass. The modified Hoek-and-Brown failure criterion has been used. Both smooth and rough footing-rock interfaces have been modeled. The bearing capacity has been expressed in terms of nondimensional factors Nσ0 and Nσ, corresponding to rock mass with (1) γ = 0 and (2) γ ≠ 0, respectively. The numerical results have been presented as a function of different input parameters needed to define the Hoek-and-Brown criterion. Slip line patterns and the pressure distribution along the footing base have also been examined. The results are found to compare generally well with the reported solutions.