A numerical study of the bearing capacity factorNγ

Values of the bearing capacity factor Nγare numerically computed using the method of triangular slices. Three assumptions of the value of ψ, the base angle of the active wedge, are analyzed, corresponding to the following three cases: (1) ψ = ϕ, the internal friction angle; (2) ψ = 45° + ϕ/2; and (3) ψ has a value such that Nγis a minimum. The location of the critical failure surface is presented and the numerical solutions to Nγfor the three cases are approximated by simple equations. The influence of the base angle on the value of Nγis investigated. Comparisons of the present solutions are made with those commonly used in foundation engineering practice.Key words: shallow foundation, bearing capacity, bearing capacity factor, limit equilibrium.