Loading behavior of shallow foundation on poorly cemented sandstone

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the load bearing behavior and failure mechanism of a shallow foundation on poorly cemented rock. A series of laboratory material and model tests with specimens made of artificial soft rock were conducted. The results of material tests show that the properties of the artificial material are quite close to natural poorly cemented sandstone. The results of model bearing test indicate that a load-settlement curve can be roughly divided into the incipient stage, the linear stage, the yielding stage, and the final stage. The failure zones and mechanism were also identified. Failure zones were divided into the active zone, the transitional zone, and the passive zone. It was found that the bearing behavior on poorly cemented sandstone is distinct from the cases on hard rock or soil, with both plasticity and brittle characteristics. The bearing capacity formulas commonly used for soil or hard rock is not necessarily suitable for the case of poorly cemented soft sandstone.