Model studies of bearing capacity of strip footing on sand slope

An experimental investigation into the ultimate bearing capacity of strip footing on sand slope is reported. The parameters investigated are the effect of setback distance of the footing to the slope crest, slope angle, relative density of sand and footing width on the ultimate bearing capacity of strip footings. A series of finite element analyses was additionally performed on a prototype slope to ascertain the validity of the findings from the laboratory model tests and to supplement the results of the model tests. The agreement between observed and computed results is found to be reasonably well in terms of load-settlement and general trend of behavior. The results show that the ultimate bearing capacity increases with increase in setback distance, relative density of sand, footing width and decrease in slope angle. At a setback distance of five times of the width of the footing, bearing capacity remains constant like that of a footing on level ground.