Civil Engineering ReferencePoint Suite
Use these ReferencePoints to learn about various civil engineering areas including transportation and geotechnical topics.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Civil Engineering ReferencePoint Suite
Point 1: Improving the Soil Bearing Capacity
K.C. Dhawan
Soil bearing capacity is the ability of soil to support engineering structures, such as buildings and houses. Bearing capacity of soil depends on the soil type. For example, if the soil is weak and collapsible, the bearing capacity of soil is less. Determining the soil bearing capacity helps you select the right type of foundation for engineering structures. For example, if the soil below the earth's surface is clayey, raft foundation is appropriate for construction.
This article introduces the bearing capacity of soil and describes how to calculate the bearing capacity using various equations. It describes various types of foundations and soil, and explains techniques, such as compaction, precompression, and grouting to improve the bearing capacity of different types of soil.
Introducing Soil Bearing Capacity
Soil bearing capacity specifies the load bearing capacity of soil. You can increase the bearing capacity of soil by compaction of soil. Compaction refers to the process of compressing soil until there is no air between the grains of the soil. You can also increase the soil bearing capacity by adding chemicals to the soil.
The moisture content in the soil also affects its bearing capacity. If the moisture content is high, the soil becomes mud. Alternatively, if the moisture content is low, soil loses cohesion and acts as sand.
Defining Bearing Capacity of Soil
Various terms that define the bearing capacity of soil, numerically, include:
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Gross pressure intensity: Is the total pressure exerted at the base of the footing by the weight...
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