Análise numérica da capacidade de carga de sapatas

Abstract

The main goal of this paper was evaluate the bearing capacity of footings through numerical methods and load tests comparing with usual methods according to ABNT NBR 6122 – Terzaghi’s Method, Triple N Formula and SPT – in order to present the differences between them. This paper presents four diferente simulations, which uses Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion as basis to run the program. Soil characteristics were obtained through studies or medium value charts. Simulations results were very accurate obtaining just 16% of difference if compared to the load test, demonstrating the adaptability of the failure criterion to the type of soil analysed. The comparisons between rupture strength results showed considerable divergences between load test and theoretical methods, achieving 232% of load test result. When it comes to design strength, the difference reduces to 150%. Between theoretical methods there were no significant differences, probably because this paper did not consider footing with special lying conditions, as the inclination of foundation base for instance, considering the complexity abroad the geotechnical field that allows many comparisons among practice and theoretical situations. SPT results showed divergences around 50% that, although questionable, ensures safety. Consequently, even though it would be necessary to deep the subject, this paper stresses out the finite element method and its importance in foundations engineering.