Cap models for clay strata to footing loads

Plasticity cap models are applied to obtain progressive failure solutions of flexible and smooth strip footings as well as rigid and rough strip footings on an overconsolidated stratum of clay. The comparative study of the elastic-plastic small deformation response of clay to footing loads is made within the framework of finite element analysis with different plasticity models based on a non-associated and the associated flow rule. More specifically, the analyses include the following features: (i) Drucker-Prager perfect plastic model with different methods in determining the material constants using the associated flow rule, (ii) Drucker-Prager perfect plastic model with the associated flow rule and a non-associated flow rule, and (iii) Drucker-Prager perfect plastic yield surface with a work-hardening plane cap and a work-hardening elliptic cap and their associated flow rules.