Abstract

All structures in contact with the ground require foundations to resist loads. For small-scale projects shallow foundations are often the most economical. In general, the design of a shallow foundation is governed by the settlement, rather than the ultimate bearing capacity. Settlements are predicted based on elastic properties of soil. Soil is, however, non-linear even at small strains. A series of centrifuge experiments, each with three shallow footings, were performed on clay and saturated sand models at the Schofield Centre. Photographs taken at short intervals allowed the technique of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) to be utilised. Other instrumentation was also used to confirm various quantities. The testing method, techniques adopted and results from the centrifuge experiments are given and discussed. Some analysis of the results has been performed with one theoretical mechanism, developed from centrifuge results, given.