Shaking table test of failure of a shallow foundation subjected to an eccentric load

Many models have been developed to solve geotechnical problems, but their v alidation is only possible by a parallel experimental analysis on real work s. In this sense, a well controlled experiment was carried out on a shallow foundation resting on a dry coarse Leighton Buzzard sand. A flexible shear stack was filled with a uniform relative density Leighton Buzzard sand. Th e foundation was subjected to a vertical eccentric load and to a sine dwell -type acceleration transmitted from a shaking table over which the shear st ack was located. The dynamic response of both the soil and the foundation w as checked by means of a complex network of accelerometers and displacement transducers. To have a detailed description of the behaviour of the footin g under the seismic motion, four coloured layers of sand were introduced in to the deposit at different depths. By measuring the displacements of the c oloured layers, carefully excavated after the test, it was possible to inve stigate the experimental failure mechanism. It was then compared with the t heoretical failure mechanism and the seismic bearing capacity was evaluated . (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.