Influence of a Thin Horizontal Weak Layer on the Mechanical Behaviour of Shallow Foundations Resting on Sand

The presence of minor details the ground, including soil or rock masses, occurs more frequently than what is normally believed. Thin weak layers, shear bands, and slickensided surfaces can substantially affect behaviour foundations, as well that other geostructures. In fact, they failure mechanisms, ultimate bearing capacity footings, safety factor geotechnical system. this research, numerically conducted through Finite Element Code Plaxis 2D, influence a horizontal thin layer on mechanical shallow footings was evaluated. obtained results prove strongly influences both mechanism if its depth lower two to four times footing width. under these circumstances, mechanisms are always mixtilinear in shape because strains largely develop layer. However, reduction function difference between strength foundation decreases up 90%. conclusion, research suggests particular attention must be paid during detailed ground investigations find layers. Based results, it convenient increase volume investigation equal width foundation.