analytical and numerical solutions for the effect of seepage on the bearing capacity of rock masses

A multi-wedge non-symmetrical failure mechanism is used in the framework of upper bound method to obtain the bearing capacity of rock masses subjected to seepage. the effect of seepage is taken into account by a non-dimensional factor named the gradient ratio. the developed upper bound formulation is compared to the available solutions for soil/rock media. also, three-dimensional finite element models are constructed for a gravity dam foundation subjected to seepage and the bearing capacity of the surrounding rock mass was obtained. the comparison between the results of the upper bound solution presented in this paper and the numerical models shows good conformity between the results. the presented upper bound solution works more efficiently than the other available upper bound formulations in this field. the obtained results show that an increase in the value of the gradient ratio from zero to 0.3 results in a decrease of 17 to 23% in the ultimate bearing capacity. a maximum difference about 8% can be observed between the results of the m3 mechanism and the 3d numerical analyses.