EFFECT OF LATERAL SEISMIC LOAD ON THE SIZE OF SHALLOW FOOTINGS

The aim of this paper is to study the effect of lateral and seismic loading on the width of shallow foundation. This is achieved by conducting an extensive parametric study over a range of governing parameters involving static and dynamic bearing capacity equations. The parameters include a range of cohesion and frictional angle values for cohesive and frictional soils respectively, and different peak horizontal ground acceleration values corresponding to different seismic zones of Pakistan. The bearing capacity equations used for analysis are Meyerhof's, and seismic bearing capacity equation o) Euro Code 8. Cohesion is varied from 50 kPa to 200 kPa, and frictional angle is varied from 25° to 45°. The results indicate significant effect of static lateral and seismic loading on the width of footing. It is therefore recommended that where significant earthquake hazards or lateral loads exist, they should be estimated and width of footing determined accordingly. If no lateral effect is considered, it is recommended to use a factor of safety of 7 for purely cohesive soils, and 10 for purely frictional soils