Abstract
Ryukyu limestone layers are sufficiently competent as a bearing stratum for shallow foundations. However, because a number of cavities exist in the Ryukyu limestone layers, foundation design is not always straightforward. The effect of cavities on the bearing capacity characteristics of strip footing was examined by model tests. The model ground was made by cement-mix-silica sand, simulating typical mechanical characteristics of a Ryukyu limestone. Detailed observations focused on the development of failure mechanism, as well as load intensity and settlement relationship. Upper bound analyses using failure mechanism deduced from the experimental observations, provided the general trend of the effect of cavity on bearing capacity.
