Effect of embedment on the undrained capacity of shallow foundations under general loading

Results of a finite element study addressing the effect of embedment on the undrained bearing capacity of shallow strip foundations under uniaxial and combined loading are reported. Uniaxial vertical (V), moment (M) and horizontal (H) capacity and combined VH, VM and general VMH capacity are assessed. Ultimate limit states and the kinematic mechanisms accompanying failure are presented. Ultimate limit states under combined loading are presented as failure envelopes expressed in terms of loads non-dimensionalised by the foundation geometry and soil undrained shear strength and loads normalised by the ultimate uniaxial limit load, in order to describe their size and shape respectively. The results presented in this paper show that the size and shape of failure envelopes defining the undrained capacity of shallow foundations under general loading are dependent on embedment ratio.