DEM Study of a Shallow Foundation under Vertical Loading
Presence of firm soil near the ground surface favors the construction of a shallow foundation. The shallow foundation is also an attractive option when combined with ground improvement techniques (such as geosynthetic reinforcement) even in weaker soil. This study presents the bearing capacity estimation of a shallow foundation on a granular soil underlain by a rigid base using the Discrete Element Method (DEM), which is suitable for granular media. A physical model test of the shallow foundation on sand was conducted using a plate load test in the laboratory. The DEM model of the plate load test simulated the load-settlement behavior of the shallow foundation. The failure model of the foundation under this condition was investigated.
ABSTRACT The accurate determination of fault displacement is essential to accurate subsurface and seismic mapping. When a fault is cut by a well, the magnitude of fault displacement is commonly obtained by direct comparison with an unfaulted nearby well. In areas of pronounced downdip thickening of section this technique, without proper adjustment, may lead to serious misconception. A comparative graphic method is presented that gives a rational determination of fault displacement and other fault characteristics for conditions of pronounced downdip thickening of section and of faulting contemporaneous with deposition. Two actual costs of fault analysis in South Texas are discussed, one of which is compared to seismic data. End_of_Record - Last_Page 40--------