Seismic bearing capacity of shallow foundations resting on rock masses subjected to seismic loads

This paper analyzes the bearing capacity of shallow foundations resting on rock masses subjected to seismic loads based on limit analysis theory. The non-linear twin shear strength criterion is used to consider the effects of intermediate principal stress on the bearing capacity of shallow foundations. The pseudo-dynamic approach is applied to account for the effects of seismic loads on the bearing capacity of shallow foundations. Both the horizontal and vertical seismic acceleration coefficients and the effects of an amplification factor on the upper bound evaluations of the foundation’s bearing capacity are investigated. The ?-functions are then applied to derive the upper bound solution of the load-bearing capacity. A numerical computation is performed and indicates that the seismic acceleration coefficients, amplification factor and the intermediate principal stress parameter significantly affect the bearing capacity of shallow foundations.