Investigation of Skirt Effect on Eccentrically Loaded Model Strip Footing Using Laboratory Tests

Abstract

In geotechnical engineering, the skirt shape is used to improve the load-settlement characteristics of eccentrically loaded shallow footings. The vertical and horizontal insertions of the rigid footing yield extra resistance for overturning and sliding caused by eccentricity. Different settlements and tilts in the footings can be formed by these types of loadings. In this study, the ultimate loads of the skirted footings were experimentally investigated. Different combinations of skirt-structured footings (produced with vertical/inclined insertions and toes) were studied with laboratory model tests in loose and dense sand soil conditions. The test results were then compared with various bearing capacity equations and were determined to be consistent in general. A total of 96 test results showed that the additional skirted parts of the footing increase the ultimate loads. The higher load eccentricity results in a decrease in the ultimate loads of the strip footing.