Seismic bearing capacity of shallow strip footing using horizontal slice method

An attempt is made to evaluate seismic bearing capacity. Pseudo-static method is applied to determine the seismic bearing capacity of shallow strip footing. A nonlinear failure surface is considered and using limit equilibrium principle, an equivalent bearing capacity factor (Nγe) is determined. Bearing capacity factor includes simultaneous resistance of cohesion, surcharge and unit weight of the foundation soil. Parametric study lucidly portrays the change in Nγe values with variation in different parameters. Values of ultimate bearing capacity as obtained using present method has been compared with different methods available so far and results are presented in tabular form.