Numerical analysis to assess the bearing capacity of footings in cohesive soil slope under eccentric loading

Foundation stability on sloped terrain in mountainous areas is a key concern in geotechnical engineering. Predicting how these foundations perform under various loads is complex, especially for off-center loaded footings on clay-rich soils. Current analytical approaches often oversimplify soil behavior. This study aims to improve our understanding of the undrained bearing capacity of eccentrically loaded strip footings on cohesive slopes. The research employs finite element limit analysis via OptumG2 software to investigate how load eccentricity direction, normalized crest distance, and soil footing tensile strength affect ultimate bearing capacity. To ensure accuracy, validate the numerical model against established vertical bearing capacity solutions. Our findings reveal intricate relationships among these factors. Eccentric loading significantly impacts bearing capacity, particularly on steeper slopes. The footing's distance from the slope crest is also crucial, with increased stability observed for footings further from the edge. We also noted a non-linear relationship between slope angle and bearing capacity, highlighting the need for conservative design practices on steeper slopes. A new expression that gives an excellent fit to the numerical failure envelope. This work addresses gaps in current knowledge and provides insights for more accurate foundation design in challenging mountainous environments.