Project Overview
In this Abaqus tutorial, the bearing capacity of a square foundation is investigated using a three-dimensional finite element model.
This example is based on Example 6.3 from Sam Helwany's book. The objective is to determine the bearing capacity of a 3 m × 3 m square foundation and compare the numerical result obtained from Abaqus with the result reported in the reference book.
Three-dimensional model of the square foundation and surrounding sand.
Square Foundation Model
The loaded foundation area has dimensions of 3 m × 3 m.
The three-dimensional sand layer has a depth of 50 m and dimensions of 100 m × 100 m in plan.
Due to symmetry, only one-fourth of the sand layer and loaded area is modeled in the Abaqus simulation.
Geometry of the square foundation and the surrounding sand layer.
Analysis Steps
The analysis is performed using two steps. The first step is used to establish the initial loading condition in the sand layer, while the second step is used to apply the foundation loading.
- Step 1: Gravity loads and surcharge loads are applied to the sand layer.
- Step 2: The foundation load is applied using a constant downward displacement boundary condition at the top surface of the foundation.
Comparison with Reference Results
According to Sam Helwany's book, the predicted bearing capacity of the square foundation is 1350 kPa.
The Abaqus simulation predicts a bearing capacity of 1328 kPa.
Bearing capacity of the square foundation obtained from Abaqus.
The numerical result obtained from Abaqus is compared with the result reported by Sam Helwany.
| Method | Bearing Capacity |
|---|---|
| Sam Helwany Book | 1350 kPa |
| Abaqus | 1328 kPa |
The Abaqus result is very close to the reference value, showing good agreement between the numerical simulation and the result reported by Sam Helwany.
Comparison between Abaqus results and Sam Helwany's reference result.
What You Will Learn
- How to model a square foundation in Abaqus.
- How to create a three-dimensional soil domain.
- How to model a 3 m × 3 m square foundation.
- How to define a 50 m deep sand layer.
- How to use symmetry and model one-fourth of the system.
- How to apply gravity loads to the sand layer.
- How to apply surcharge loads.
- How to define analysis steps for foundation loading.
- How to apply a constant downward displacement boundary condition.
- How to obtain the load–displacement relationship.
- How to determine the bearing capacity from the load–displacement curve.
- How to compare Abaqus results with a reference solution.
Key Features
- Square foundation with dimensions of 3 m × 3 m.
- Three-dimensional soil model.
- Sand layer depth of 50 m.
- Sand layer dimensions of 100 m × 100 m in plan.
- One-fourth symmetry model.
- Two analysis steps.
- Gravity loading.
- Surcharge loading.
- Constant downward displacement boundary condition.
- Load–displacement relationship.
- Bearing capacity calculation.
- Reference bearing capacity: 1350 kPa.
- Abaqus bearing capacity: 1328 kPa.
- CAE file.
- INP file.
- Excel file containing the results.
Project Information
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