Soil bearing capacity is the ability of the soil to resist the force applied above the ground. It mainly depends on elements such as the soil variety, soil thickness and shear strength. The depth of the embedment load also takes part in the soil’s ability to hold loads; it works directly in proportion to the depth of the load. The deeper the load is found, the better the bearing capacity.
If you have an upcoming project foundation, consider contacting some professionals like CJB Piling to illustrate what you achieve and how much value can be added to your property. In this blog post, we will explain the bearing capacity of soil, its importance, the types of soil-bearing capacity, and the methods used to measure the bearing capacity of the soil.
Types of Soil Bearing Capacity
There are two types of soil-bearing capacity:
Ultimate Bearing capacity
The gross compression at the base of the foundation at which soil fails is called ultimate bearing capacity. In other words, supreme upright pressure can be applied to the ground surface at a point where a shear failure mechanism develops in the supportive soil.
Analytically, it is noted that soil can take a maximum amount of weight when it fails or gives way completely. In its groundwork design process, this figure is not used; it is essential to consider the maximum bearing capacity of the soil, but it also affects its ability to support a structure.
Allowable Bearing Capacity
The highest strength or load the soil can handle without overreaching the bearable settlement limit is an allowable bearing limit. This figure is used in the design of the groundwork.
This considers the settlement of soil, not only to make shear failure with heavy loads; this is why allowable bearing capacity is always lower than the ultimate bearing capacity.
Methods for Calculating Bearing Capacity
Several techniques are used in calculating the soil-bearing capacity, such as:
- Modern testing Method
- Penetration Test
- Plate Bearing Test
- Centrifuge Test
- Analytical; Texting Method
- Presumptive Analysis
Steps to Improve Soil Bearing Capacity
Deeping the Foundation:
The fundamental pressuring load of materials typically increases the bearing capacity of the soil. Avoid this technique when the subsurface moisture of material content increases with depth.
Means of Soil Drainage:
the foundation channel develops the proper drain construction to eliminate excess water. Because the presence of water in abundance results in loss of half the carrying capacity of the soil.
Compacting the Dirt:
compaction can increase the soil bearing capacity, as certain soil particles are less prone to movement when there is less space between them.
Constraining the soil:
Enclosing the ground and stopping soil movement using sheet piles or heavy load actions. An enclosure is created due to the compacted action of soil particles that increase the bearing capacity of the soil.
Enhancing the Base’s Width:
This technique’s application is restricted due to the limit of groundwork extent. The amount of load applied directly on the foundation is decreased to expand the width of the foundation.
Replacing Soils:
the failed soil needs to be replaced. The uppermost layer of the soil is removed by digging it. Then sand, stone, gravel, and other suitable materials are added to the import space to increase the bearing capacity of the soil.
Applying grout:
A concrete grout is forcefully added to the foundation to fill up any crevices or cracks that could otherwise minimise the ability of soil to support the load.
Factors Affecting the Soil Bearing Capacity
Soil-bearing capacity is the fundamental parameter in foundation design, as it refers to the maximum load the soil can withstand without exceeding settlement. It also determines the magnitude of soil to which it can tolerate the weight of the built structure. A precise calculation of soil bearing capacity prevents structural issues from soil failure by ensuring the foundation is safe and operative. Some factors influence the soil bearing capacity :
- Type of soil
- Load Conditions
- Depth of Foundation
- Moisture Content
- Soil Density and Compaction
Bottom Line
To design a secure and sufficient foundation, it is essential to understand the importance and condition of soil. It is very important to understand the factors that affect the bearing capacity of soil. To ensure the stability and safety of the structure, CJB Piling engineers can make informed decisions, considering the type of soil, depth of foundation, moisture content, density of soil and load conditions.
