Improved Strain Influence Diagram and Settlement Estimation for Rectangular and Multiple Footings in Sand

수정변형률 영향계수에 근거한 직사각형 및 복합 얕은기초 침하량 산정법

Most existing methods for the footing settlement estimation are for either isolated or strip footings. No sufficient details are available for settlement calculation of footings with different shapes and multiple footing conditions, which are commonly adopted in actual construction projects. In this paper, estimation of footing settlements for various footing conditions of different shapes and multiple conditions is investigated based on Schmertmann's method with focus on values of the strain influence factor $I_z$. In order to examine the effect of multiple footing conditions, field plate load tests are performed in sands using single and double plates. 3D non-linear finite element analyses are also performed for various footing conditions with different footing shape and distance ratios. Results obtained in this study indicate that there are two significant components in the strain influence diagram that need to be taken into account for settlement estimation of rectangular and multiple footings: depth of $I_{zp}$ and depth of strain influence zone. Based on results from experimental and 3D non-linear finite element analyses, improved strain influence diagrams available for various footing conditions are proposed.