Approximate upper-bound solution for bearing capacity of rectangular footings near excavations

It is a notable case when the vicinal slopes or excavations are likely to reduce significantly the bearing capacity of foundation.To estimate of ultimate bearing capacity from the cohesion and unit weight of soil and embedded depth(overburden),the kinematical approach of limit analysis based on the three-dimensional mechanism was used.In view of the upper-bound approach,the simplified procedure was appropriate for design despite of inconsistency from a theoretical standpoint.The comparison of results with existing solutions to minimize the influential factors of bearing capacity as well as the reduction factors of the bearing capacity of rectangular footings near excavations were given finally.