Numerical Study on Bearing Capacity Estimation of Circular Footing on Sand Reinforced with Sisal Geotextile

Abstract

This paper presents a study on estimating the bearing capacity of shallow circular footings on sand. In this regard, finite element analysis is conducted, assuming that the sand follows Bolton’s model with a relative density of 75%. Initially, the bearing capacity is determined for unreinforced sand conditions, followed by the placement of geotextile at different depths. The results indicate a significant increase in the ultimate bearing capacity of the footing, up to 2.68 times, compared to the unreinforced case, precisely when the geotextile is placed at a depth of 0.25 times the footing diameter. These findings suggest that sisal geotextile can effectively serve as a reinforcement material for addressing various temporary foundation-related problems. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.