Bearing capacity of shallow foundation under different loading conditions using Plaxis Software: Review Paper

Abstract:

Civil engineering structures such as buildings, bridges, pavements, and railway tracks rely on foundations to safely transfer loads from the superstructure to the supporting soil or rock. For shallow foundations, the design primarily focuses on two critical criteria: bearing capacity (BC) and settlement (S). BC refers to the maximum pressure the soil can withstand without undergoing shear failure, while settlement deals with the permissible vertical displacement under loading. With advancements in numerical modelling, PLAXIS software has become a widely used tool for accurately analysing soil-structure interaction under various loading conditions. This review paper summarises research studies that employ PLAXIS to evaluate the bearing capacity behaviour of shallow footings subjected to different loading conditions, including vertical, inclined, eccentric, and combined loads. Results from numerical simulations are compared with classical bearing capacity theories proposed by Terzaghi, Meyerhof, Hansen, and Vesic to highlight the accuracy and applicability of PLAXIS in practical design. The review concludes that PLAXIS provides a reliable platform for understanding complex geotechnical behaviour and is highly effective for predicting failure mechanisms and evaluating foundation performance under varied conditions.