Foundation Stability on Nonhomogeneous Clays

A method for approximating the bearing capacity of shallow rectangular foundations on nonhomogeneous clays subjected to inclined, eccentric loading is presented. The procedure is developed within the framework of upper bound plasticity concepts with two simple collapse mechanisms being considered. The solutions agree well and in some cases identically with existing exact and empirical methods. The technique provides a simple economical procedure for extending complex loading solutions to nonhomogeneous soils and thus avoids reliance on average or equivalent soil strengths.