Numerical Multiphase Yield Design Modelling of Reinforced Soil Structures: A Focus on the Interaction Between Soil and Inclusions

ABSTRACT In this contribution, we present the numerical implementation of the multiphase model in the yield design framework and apply it to estimate the ultimate bearing capacity of a foundation subjected to a combination of a vertical loading, a horizontal loading and an overturning moment. As a first step, the two phases and their mutual interaction strength capacities are estimated by solving a well‐defined 3D auxiliary problem on a representative unit cell. Then, it becomes possible to evaluate the strength properties of a reinforced soil structure according to the multiphase approach, using a dedicated f.e.m. numerical code in which the static and kinematic approaches of yield design are implemented. The so‐developed numerical tool is used to determine the ultimate bearing capacity of a piled foundation. Through such an example, it is possible to show how the interaction strength parameters and the bending strength density of the inclusions, which are directly related to their number, influence the failure load of the whole structure.