Ultimate bearing capacity of a foundation reinforced by columns or cross trenches under inclined loads: a homogenization approach

This paper addresses the geotechnical engineering problem of evaluating the ultimate bearing capacity of a strip foundation resting upon a reinforced soil, by means of the yield design homogenization approach. The analysis is notably focused on the determination of the macroscopic strength criterion of such reinforced soils, where both constituents are purely cohesive, which can be conveniently expressed through the notion of anisotropic cohesion. A comprehensive comparison is made between the classical configuration of reinforcing columns and the more original one of orthogonal reinforcing trenches. Among the most outstanding results of the analysis is the conclusion that the cross trench configuration is notably more efficient in terms of load bearing capacity than the reinforcement by columns, notably when significantly inclined loading is concerned. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.