Finite Element Analysis to Estimate Bearing Capacity of Strip Footing in Coastal Sandy Soils in Bengkulu City, Indonesia

Abstract

This study presents results of bearing capacity analysis for strip footing in coastal sandy soils. Three sites located at coastal area are investigated. The site investigation and laboratory tests are conducted to obtain soil properties. Variations on depth and width of strip footing are considered. Finite element analysis is conducted to observe failure mechanism and bearing capacity of strip footing. Several results such as relationship between ultimate bearing capacity and foundation dimensions, factor of safety, displacement, and failure mechanism are discussed. The comparison between finite element results and exact solutions is also presented. The results show that variations of dimension tend to influence the bearing capacity and failure mechanism. The results also shows that finite element result is generally consistent with the exact solution. The results states that the footing dimension of 1.1. m embedded at 1.0 m below ground surface as the suitable strip footing in the study area. This study can also benefit local engineers designing strip footing for the coastal sandy soils.