HOW TO IMPROVE BEARING CAPACITY OF A SOIL

We know that bearing capacity of a soil helps to support the loads applied to the ground. It also has to do with the pressure between the foundation and soil. This pressure should not affect the soil if not it will produce shear failure in the soil.

This article will enable young and existing engineers to understand how to improve bearing capacity of a soil. We should also know that sometimes the safe bearing pressure of a soil is so low. So in such case, it is important to improve the bearing capacity of the soil.

The following below are some ways to improve bearing capacity of a soil;

1. Increase the depth of foundation
2. Compacting of the soil
3. Chemical treatment (Stabilizing the soil with chemicals)
4. Draining the soil
5. Replacing of the poor soil

Increase the depth of foundation

The depth of foundation should be increased because at the deeper depth, the overburden pressure on the soil is higher. When the depth is increase, the weight and cost of the foundation will also increase.

Compacting of the soil

Compacting of the soil helps increase the bearing capacity of the soil when it is compacted properly. It will also increase its density and shear strength. It can also be compacted by surcharge load.

Chemical treatment (Stabilizing the soil with chemicals)

This way of improving bearing capacity of a soil is a bit expensive. It can only be applied in exceptional cases with the helps of chemical solution likes silicates of soda and calcium chloride. The chemicals with the soil particles help forms a gel like structure  and develop a compact mass after it has been injected.

Draining the soil

It is important that we drain the water from the surface. Draining the water from the soil will help increase the bearing capacity. It will also help decrease the void ratio.

Replacing of the poor soil

The soil that has a low bearing capacity will be remove and be replace with hard materials. The hard materials like crush stone and some other hard materials will help improve the bearing capacity of the soil.

In summary

Bearing capacity is as important as compaction. It is needed so that the structure will not fail due to settlement. It is also needed so as to determine the size of the foundation you need.

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