Calculation of the punching failure resistance of foundations
The phenomenon of punching failure of a foundation that stands on a bearing layer above a water‐saturated soft layer with minor bearing capacity is defined and described and the mechanics are explained. A calculation method is being developed for this problem. This is based on failure kinematics observed in model tests and a static assumption regarding the stress distribution in horizontal sections through the punched body, which is expressed by a ratio value. This static ratio value was determined for various surface load distributions using finite element calculations and given in a table. The calculation method is formulated as a slice method with horizontal slices and can be carried out in a simple manual calculation. Two real, well‐documented examples are calculated in detail and confirm the accuracy of the method.