Ultimate bearing capacity of an anisotropic discontinuous rock massPart II: Determination procedure

Based on the six possible and different failure mechanisms defined in part I, a criterion to identify which is the particular failure mechanism is developed. The rock mass is assumed to have transverse isotropic strength. The particular mechanism depends on the geometrical situation, the geomechanical parameters and the boundary conditions. A series of graphs are provided allowing this identification. Some examples of parametric studies are described and the ultimate bearing capacity is solved for a wide range of situations of transverse isotropy. A series of nomograms, to find the bearing capacity of a strip foundation, are provided for the entire range of possible dips representing the planes of weakness, when the foundation surface is horizontal.