Effect of Various Parameters on Bearing Capacity of Closely Spaced Footings

The choice of a suitable bearing capacity of soil becomes the most important issue to be considered in any project. This paper describes analytical investigation conducted to evaluate the ultimate bearing capacity of adjacent footings in various spacings of footings. Bearing capacity of adjacent footings is determined based on virtual retaining wall method by applying equilibrium between active and passive forces. Results indicate the ultimate bearing capacity of each foundation changes due to the interference effect of the failure surface in the soil and it depends on footings spacing. In the present study، effect of soil type، depth of adjacent footings and reinforced soil is investigated on bearing capacity of adjacent footings. Results indicate closely spaced footings، can decrease or increase bearing capacity of adjacent footings with respect to single footings. Also، reinforced soil increases bearing capacity of closely spaced footings with respect to single footings on unreinforced soil، it depends on footings spacing. Finally، the predicted results are compared with those reported from experiments، analytical and numerical results performed by others، indicating an acceptable agreement.