Finite Element Analysis of Conical Shell Foundation   Dilip Kumar Maharaj Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Group Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan, India
			ABSTRACT

In this paper an axisymmetric conical shell foundation has been analysed by Nonlinear Finite Element Method. The soil has been modeled as Drucker-Prager elastoplastic medium. Load settlement curves have been produced based on nonlinear finite element analysis. The effect of soil modulus and taper angle on the load settlement behaviour of conical shell foundation has been studied. Comparison of load carrying capacity of conical shell foundation and that of the circular foundation of same base area have been made. The load carrying capacity of the conical shell foundation has been found to increase with increase in soil modulus.The effect of increase in taper angle is to increase the load carrying capacity of the conical shell foundation. This effect is seen significant in soil with low modulus than in soil with high modulus due to the soil-structure-interaction. The conical shell foundation is found to have greater bearing capacity than that of the flat circular foundation of the same base area.

KEYWORDS: Conical shell foundation, Taper angle, Circular, Soil Modulus

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