An Analytical Model for Embedded Foundations of Building Structures Subjected to Horizontal Loads

Abstract

This paper describes an analytical model for predicting the load-displacement relationship of structures with embedded foundations subjected to horizontal loads. The proposed analytical model uses discrete springs to represent soil resistance (passive resistance, side friction, and base friction) and considers nonlinear behavior using a hyperbolic function based on tests conducted by the authors. A method of estimating the initial tangent modulus of the hyperbola is also presented. Numerical analyses are carried out using the proposed model for two horizontal loading tests on actual caissons assumed to represent the basement of a building. The analytical results are in reasonably good agreement with the measured results.