BEHAVIOUR OF ECCENTRICALLY AND OBLIQUELY LOADED FOOTINGS ON REINFORCED EARTH SLAB

Abstract

Three-dimensional model tests were performed on mild steel square surface footings subjected to (a) central one way eccentric vertical load and (b) central oblique load. A 20 cm square footing was used in case (a) and a 10'cm square footing was used in case (b). The foundation bed was sand which was placed at a density of 1.6 gm/Cc. Khadi cloth strips were used as reinforcements. 26 tests were performed on the tank of size 140 cm x 140 cm x 100 cm (depth) for central and one wav eccentric vertical! loads. 32 tests were performed on the tank of size 70 cm x 50 cm x 70 cm (depth) for central vertical and central oblique loads. The value of eccentricity (e) was varied from 0.18 to 0.3B and the obliquity of load (g) was varied from 0o to 15°. Vertical distance between successive layers of reinforcement (4sV) and the depth of the first layer of reinfor- . cement from the base of the footing (u) were varied depending on the type of test. In each eccentric vertically loaded test, loads, vertical settlements and tilts were mc:asUred. For oblique loading, lateral displacements were also measured. On the basis of the test data conclusions were drawn regarding the effect of reinforcement, eccentricity of load and obliquity of load on bearing capacity, settlement and lateral displacement characteristics of the footings. The investigation was an attempt to fill the gaps in • the work reported by Singh (1984)