A "class a" prediction of the bearing capacity of plane strain footings on sand

Abstract

The bearing capacity of plane strain model footings on sand is numerically investigated with a finite element method and a polar hypoplastic constitutive law. The constitutive law is obtained through an extension of a non-polar hypoplastic constitutive law by polar quantities: rotations, curvatures, couple stresses and a characteristic length. It can reproduce the salient features of granular bodies while taking into account shear localisation. The hypoplastic constants are calibrated with element test calculations on the basis of plane strain and triaxial compression tests. The FE-analyses are performed for both different mean grain diameters and initial densities of dry medium sand, and footing widths. The effect of material constants on the load-displacement curve is also investigated. The FE-results are compared with model tests. Advantages and limitations of a polar hypoplastic approach are outlined.