Analytical and experimental study for ultimate loads of eccentrically loaded model strip footings near a sand slope

To investigate the effect of the ultimate load of the footings near slopes, this paper presents the results of both a series of experimental and a series of analytical studies conducted with a centrally and eccentrically loaded surface and shallow model strip footing. The values of the ultimate load deduced from experimental tests are compared with values derived via an analytical solution based on the limit equilibrium approach and are found to be in good agreement. The analytical solution generated the bearing capacity coefficients (Nγ and Nq) charts for of internal friction angles (ϕ) exceeding 40°. The results indicate that the ultimate loads decreased as the eccentricity increased. This decrease is due to the combination of eccentricity and slope. The Nγ and Nq coefficients follow similar trends and negatively correlate with e/B. Furthermore, the shapes of the charts of the Nq coefficient differ from those of Nγ. As the internal friction angle, ϕ, increases, the rate of increase of the Nq values is small compared with that of the Nγ values. Moreover, the increase in the Nγ and Nq coefficients decreases for internal friction angles larger than 40°.