Authors : A. Mendjel and A. Boumekik
Abstract: The main objective of this research is to study the validity of the simplifying assumptions which admit that the distribution of contact pressures under a shallow foundation is uniform or linear. This stress distribution depends on the mode of loads transfer, the foundation geometry, the soil type and its characteristics. In this research, a study of the distribution of contact pressures under a rigid foundation was undertaken by using analytical and numerical method. The latter one is based on the finite element-limit elements. The two methods showed different distribution of stress distribution. The contact pressures over the entire length of the foundation are uniform when calculated by the analytical method. On the other hand, the numerical method gives a variable distribution with a maximum at the edges. The pressures seam to be very important in the central zone up to 70% when evaluated by the first method.
A. Mendjel and A. Boumekik , 2007. Analyze of Contact Pressures at the Soil-Foundation Interface. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 2: 1399-1402.