MODEL TESTS FOR UPLIFT CAPACITY OF FOUNDATIONS IN CLAY

Abstract

Model test results for determination of uplift capacity of square and rectangular foundations in clay have been presented. The model foundations were made out of 3.18 mm thick aluminum plates. The length-to-width ratio of the plates used in the tests varied from one to five. The experimentally determined net uplifting loads have been presented in terms of breakout factors (Vesic, 1971). The variation of the critical embedment ratio and breakout factors for shallow and deep foundation conditions have been analyzed. The uplift capacity of the square plates obtained from the present test program have been compared with the model test results of other investigators conducted on circular plates.