A homogenization approach to estimate the ultimate bearing capacity of a stone column reinforced foundation

Abstract This paper relates to the ultimate bearing capacity of a strip footing resting upon a purely cohesive soil reinforced by a group of vertical columns made of a purely frictional material ("stone column" reinforcement technique). The analysis is carried out by means of the yield design homogenization approach, following a two-step procedure: a lower bound approximation of the reinforced soil macroscopic strength criterion is first obtained, followed by its incorporation into the yield design static approach applied to the homogenized problem resulting in lower bound estimates for the reinforced foundation load bearing capacity. Compared to direct lower bound solution the homogenization approach provides a better estimation of bearing capacity.