Bearing capacity evaluation of shallow foundations using the distinct element method

This research aims to investigate the bearing capacity of shallow foundation on the granular materials. The software PFC2D based on the distinct element method is adopted. The parameters including the packing of particles, the basic friction angle, the particle size and the particle stiffness are considered to find which the major influence factor of the bearing capacity is. The simulation results show that: (1) in the dense packing state, the failure pattern is similar to the general shear failure, and in the loose packing state, the pattern reflects the punch failure; (2) an increasing friction angle increase the bearing capacity; (3) the larger size and the higher stiffness will lead to the higher strength, but these major influence factors are not considered in the previous limit equilibrium theory.