GEOTECHNICAL PARAMETER ASSESSMENT AND BEARING CAPACITY ANALYSIS FOR THE FOUNDATION DESIGN

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to determine the soil appropriateness for the construction of buildings, and it encompasses site investigation, a preliminary process for collecting geological, geotechnical, and other engineering information for safe and economical building design. Site investigation provides insight into unforeseen engineering problems; therefore, instability issues can be forestalled if done thoroughly. Residual soils from the research area comprise many clays, some of which can expand upon moisture increase. Therefore, a site investigation must be carried out to assess the site’s suitability for the proposed construction. The research includes nine boreholes and laboratory testing demonstrating the soil profile and bearing capacity within the settlement limit. The site’s soil is yellowish-brown, weathered, thickly bedded, loosely cemented, friable sandstone consisting of poorly graded sand (SP) and silt/sand (SP-SM) with clayey layers (ML-CL). Uniaxial compressive strength was recorded at 217 to 1238 kPa under natural and saturated conditions. Furthermore, the computed bearing capacity varies from 2.8 to 6.1 tsf using the Terzaghi approach, 7.1 to 8.0 tsf using Bowel’s method, and 4.7 to 5.4 tsf using the Meyerhof method. The coefficient of subgrade reaction for an isolated and raft foundation based on Bowels bearing capacity varies between 24.8 to 26.1 MN/m3 to 13.6 to 15.4 MN/m3, respectively. Based on the investigation and lab testing, a raft foundation would be appropriate for the structure. The proposed construction location didn’t find any significant geological defects; thus, it’s suitable for the construction of buildings. However, the paper’s recommendations must be implemented.