Bearing capacity factor N_γ for a rough conical footing

The bearing capacity factor $N_{\gamma}$ is computed for a rough conical footing placed over horizontal ground surface. The axisymmetric lower bound limit analysis formulation, in combination with finite elements and linear programming, proposed recently by the authors is used in this study. The variation of $N_{\gamma}$ with cone apex angle (${\beta}$), in a range of $30^{\circ}-180^{\circ}$, is obtained for different values of ${\phi}$; where ${\phi}$ is soil friction angle. For ${\phi}<30^{\circ}$, the magnitude of $N_{\gamma}$ is found to decrease continuously with an increase in ${\beta}$ from $30^{\circ}$ to $180^{\circ}$. On the other hand, for ${\phi}>30^{\circ}$, the minimum magnitude of $N_{\gamma}$ is found to occur generally between ${\beta}=120^{\circ}$ and ${\beta}=150^{\circ}$. In all the cases, it is noticed that the magnitude of $N_{\gamma}$ becomes maximum for ${\beta}=30^{\circ}$. For a given diameter of the cone, the area of the plastic zone reduces generally with an increase in ${\beta}$. The obtained values of $N_{\gamma}$ are found to compare quite well with those available in literature.