Dear community, this is regarding the calculation of the bearing capacity of shallow foundation. I would like to know your opinion on the best approach that yields the most realistic values.
Can you provide me with documented examples that have a step-by-step description of the model input and output? So far, I've seen two approaches: 1- A large load is applied at the footing (either a plate element or a linear-elastic volume) and the bearing capacity is founded using the load vs displacement curve according to the settlement you choose in your design. 2- A prescribed displacement of the desired settlement is applied to the dimension of the footing and the reaction force of the soil underneath is considered as the bearing capacity (I guess it's taken using a cross-section?) . Hence, what's your view on these two approaches and what are your recommendation? What is the most accurate method to obtain load-displacement curves?
Thanks in advance.
Hello Mohamad,
We have tutorials for shallow foundations, please find it below:
https://communities.bentley.com/products/geotech-analysis/w/wiki/45556/plaxis-2d-tutorial-01-settlement-of-a-circular-footing-on-sand
For the approaches of load or displacement control applied, you can use both. But for the prescribed displacement, we may consider the footing being rigid as the same displacement over the whole footing.