Examining the potential of Semi Deep foundations as an alternative to Shallow foundations in the foundation design of urban settlements

Abstract

This work investigates the experimental and numerical analysis of shallow and semi-deep (skirted) foundation models on loose sand. The study employs both singly and doubly skirted models, utilizing varying skirt lengths of 0.25B, 0.5B, and 1B to comprehensively evaluate the performance of these skirted foundations under different conditions. The research aims to assess the feasibility of semi-deep foundations as an alternative to traditional deep foundations, with a focus on their application in soils with a relative density of 30%. The experimental setup involves systematically varying the skirt lengths and observing the resultant changes in bearing capacity. Concurrently, numerical simulations are performed to corroborate the experimental findings and provide deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms. Both sets of results consistently indicate that skirted foundations significantly enhance bearing capacity, with the bearing capacity increasing proportionally to the skirt length in both singly and doubly skirted foundations. Notably, doubly skirted foundations exhibit a more substantial improvement in bearing capacity compared to their singly skirted counterparts, suggesting a potential for greater efficiency and stability in practical applications. This comprehensive study highlights the advantages of using skirted foundations in geotechnical engineering, providing a robust alternative to deep foundations and paving the way for more cost-effective and efficient foundation design solutions.