Ultimate bearing capacity of vertically loaded strip footings on sand overlying clay

Abstract Conventional methods toward addressing the bearing capacity of strip footings on sand overlying clay may yield unreliable solutions. In this technical note, the bearing capacity of footings on sand overlying clay is evaluated using discontinuity layout optimization (DLO). A set of design charts that can be directly applied to the classical bearing capacity formulation is developed. Subsequently, a simplified regression-based approach, relevant to a wide range of geometric and strength parameters, is proposed. The model uncertainty for the proposed method is characterized. Validations are performed with the results of centrifuge tests and previously proposed analytical solutions.