Case Study PLAXIS 2D Model Validation and Numerical, Analytical Comparison Using the Mohr Coulomb and Hardening Soil Models

Abstract

Numerical modelling provides an efficient and cost-effective approach for analysing soil behavior under various loading conditions, compared with experimental studies that are time intensive and require a lot of resourcesIn this study, finite element analyses were performed on local sandy soil to assess the ultimate bearing capacity of square footings with varying widths. The Mohr–Coulomb (MC) and Hardening Soil (HS) constitutive models were employed, and the numerical outcomes were compared with the classical bearing capacity theories developed by Terzaghi, Meyerhof, Hansen, and Vesic.. The consequences demonstrate a good level of agreement between numerical predictions and theoretical solutions across both small-scale and full-scale footing dimensions. Furthermore, The Hardening Soil model provides a more realistic depiction of soil behavior  and provides closer predictions to theoretical values compared to the Mohr–Coulomb model.