Bearing capacity computation for a ring foundation using the stress characteristics method.

The stress characteristics method ( SCM ) has been used to compute the bearing capacity of smooth and rough ring foundations. Two different failure mechanisms for a smooth footing, and four different mechanisms for a rough footing have been considered. For a rough base, a curvilinear non-plastic wedge has been employed below the footing. The analysis incorporates the stress singularities at the inner as well as outer edges of the ring footing. Bearing capacity factors, N c , N q and N γ are presented as a function of soil internal friction angle (ϕ) and the ratio ( r i / r o ) of inner to outer radii of the footing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]