The compression and bearing capacity of cohesive layers

A theoretical study of the compression of blocks and cylinders of purely cohesive material between rough plates shows that the yield pressure of the blocks and cylinders increases with the roughness of the plates and with decreasing height of the specimen. Compression tests of blocks and cylinders of Plasticine and clay between perfectly rough plates are found to be in good agreement with the theory. The above analysis has been extended to obtain an estimate of the yield pressure of footings on cohesive layers: theoretically the bearing capacity should increase with the adhesion of the material on the footing and base and with decreasing thickness of the layer. The results of some loading tests on circular and strip model footings on Plasticine layers with a perfectly rough base conform with the theory.