An extended Prandtl solution for analytical modelling of the bearing capacity of a shallow foundation on a spatially variable undrained clay

Classical bearing capacity theory was developed mainly based on spatially uniform soil properties, which cannot account for the influence of inherent variability. If strength is heterogeneous, then using average may overestimate foundations, because failure mechanism preferentially mobilise weaker soils. In this study aim to establish a theoretical model upper-bound solutions applied analysis shallow foundations undrained clay considering spatial The derived principle least energy dissipation four-parameter variation Prandtl's mechanism. verified by random finite-element (FE) method in varying conditions. results show that can accurately capture effect foundation difference factor between proposed and FE within 5%, demonstrates has an accuracy comparable with many hundreds degrees freedom. Another advantage possible non-convergence be avoided, hence, calculation efficiency significantly enhanced. therefore suitable rapid quantification