ABSTRACT
This paper details scaled field experiments conducted on rocking shallow foundations. First, a full geotechnical investigation was carried out to determine soil conditions. A test structure, made from structural steel, was designed and fabricated specifically for this testing. Road construction plates were attached to the structure to create realistic vertical loads, and achieve different factors of safety in bearing. Tests carried out so far have had estimated bearing strength factors of safety of 47 and 10. Non-linear behaviour of the foundations and underlying soil was evident and typical performance graphs, such as moment-rotation and settlement-rotation, were analysed. The foundations displayed good energy dissipation during the rocking cycles.
