The effect of strength anisotropy on the bearing capacity of spudcan foundations

The vertical bearing capacity of spudcan foundations in strength anisotropic soils is investigated numerically using the MIT-S1 model implemented in the AFENA finite element package. The model in AFENA is validated against existing laboratory test data of normally consolidated soil. The bearing capacities of spudcans in soils with isotropic and anisotropic strengths are compared. Soil with isotropic strength is simulated using an elasto-plastic model. It is found that the bearing capacity of a spudcan in an anisotropic soil is reduced by about 9% for a rough spudcan and 3% for a smooth spudcan on average. There is a combined effect of soil anisotropy and spudcan roughness on the spudcan bearing capacity. Moreover, the effect of the pressuremeter strength of an anisotropic soil on foundation capacity can’t be ignored.