Three Dimensional Bearing Capacity Analysis of a Foundation Near a Slope

This paper deals with the evaluation of the bearing capacity of a rectangular shallow foundation located near a slope or an excavation, by means of the yield design theory. Taking into account the true three dimensional nature of the problem, two types of failure mechanisms are selected, resulting in optimal upper bound estimates for the ultimate load bearing capacity of the foundation obtained through the implementation of the kinematic approach from outside. A computational tool is thus developed based on this approach, making it possible, for instance, to provide a quantitative assessment of the bearing capacity reduction due to the slope proximity. Such theoretical estimates are finally compared with experimental values obtained on full scale and centrifuge-reduced scale models.