Transition zone in Bearing Capacity Problem from Plasticity Method, Discrete Element Method and Laboratory tests

In this paper, the classical bearing capacity problem and the logspiral transition zone are re-considered from a continuum plasticity approach as well as discrete element approach. In the discrete element approach, the bearing capacity problem is considered from the elastic stage, plastic stage to the final rupture stage. It is found that there are noticeable differences in the failure mechanism between the continuum and discontinuum analyses, and the well-known logspiral transition zone is also not apparent in both the discrete element approach, plasticity approach as well as the laboratory tests. With the increase in the friction angle of soil, the transition zone is becoming more like a wedge zone than a logspiral zone as found from the present study.