Formulation of ultimate bearing capacity for strip foundations based on the Meyerhof theory and unsaturated soil mechanics

This study presents an ultimate bearing capacity formulation of strip foundations in unsaturated soils within the framework of the Meyerhof theory. The flowchart of calculation steps for this formulation is provided with a trial method according to suction distributions. The validity of the formulation obtained is demonstrated by two available theoretical solutions and experimental data. Comparisons are also performed between the results from the Meyerhof and the Terzaghi theories. It is found that the effects of matric suction and its distribution are significant; strength nonlinearity generates three types of the ultimate bearing capacity variation with respect to matric suction.