An upper-bound solution for the undrained bearing capacity of strip footings at the top of a slope

An analytical upper-bound plasticity solution is presented for the calculation of the undrained bearing capacity of strip footings on or near slopes. Typical results, presented in terms of the undrained bearing capacity factor, are shown to be in excellent agreement with finite-element analysis results and generally more conservative than those obtained from other available solutions. The proposed upper-bound solution is used to investigate the influence of the slope angle, the distance of the footing from the slope, the footing width and the soil properties on the undrained bearing capacity.