Numerical investigation of interference effect of closely spaced square footings on sand

Due to the non-availability of suitable construction sites or for compatibility with structure plans, footings are often place at close spacing and influence each other. In this research using a finite element program the bearing capacity of two nearby square footings on sand was investigated and the effect of some parameters such as the spacing and the friction angle of sand were studied. Numerical results show that the interference effect causes an increase in the bearing capacity of adjacent footings comparing to the bearing capacity of single footings in similar condition.