 

NEW!
Textbook Solutions Expert Q&A Study Pack Practice Search

home / study / engineering / civil engineering / building materials and theory of constructions / building materials and theory of constructions
edition

Principles of Foundation Engineering (7th Edition)

See this solution in the app

Chapter 6, Problem 4P Bookmark Show all steps: ON

Problem

A mat foundation on a saturated clay soil has dimensions of 20 m × 20 m Given: dead and live
load = 48 MN, cu = 30 kN/m2 and γclay = 18.5 kN/m3.

a. Find the depth, Df, of the mat for a fully compensated foundation.

b. What will be the depth of the mat (Df) for a factor of safety of 2 against bearing capacity
failure?

Step-by-step solution

Step 1 of 2

(a)

Calculate the depth of foundation for fully compensated mat foundations on soft, saturated clays
using equation:

Here the depth of foundation is , total load is , area of mat is A, unit weight of soil is

Substitute , , in the above equation

This depth is required in order to attain a condition such that the mat and the load it sustains
balance the pre-existing geostatic stresses, hence called a compensated mat.

Therefore, the depth of foundation is

Comment

Step 2 of 2

(b)
 Find the depth of foundation for saturated clays with a factor of safety against bearing capacity
 
NEW!
using equation Textbook Solutions Expert Q&A Study Pack Practice Search

Here width of mat is B, length of mat is L, and undrained shear strength is

Substitute , , , , ,

, in the above equation

Rearrange the above equation and solve for the value of

This depth is the minimum required in order to attain a condition such that the mat and the load it
sustains will have a factor of safety of 2.0 against general bearing capacity failure, which is
reasonably shallow.

Therefore, the depth of foundation is

Comment

Was this solution helpful? 3 0

Recommended solutions for you in Chapter 6

Chapter 6, Problem 5P Chapter 6, Problem 8P

Repeat Problem 6.4 part b for cu = 20 kN/m2. From the plate load test (plate dimensions 1 ft × 1
Problem 6.4 ft) in the field, the coefficient of subgrade reaction of
a sandy soil is determined to be . What will be the
See solution
value of the coefficient of subgrade reaction on the
same soil for a foundation...

See solution
 
NEW!
Textbook Solutions Expert Q&A Study Pack Practice Search

ABOUT CHEGG

LEGAL & POLICIES

CHEGG PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

CHEGG NETWORK

CUSTOMER SERVICE

© 2003-2020 Chegg Inc. All rights reserved.