By: Birendra Kumar Singh
Professor, Civil Engineering Department, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India.
Abstract
The bearing capacity of soil is a critical factor in construction engineering, particularly for designing and constructing pavement foundations. It directly depends on the load intensity the soil can support. For Class AA loading conditions, a minimum bearing capacity of 20 t/m² is required. However, the presence of frequent rain and flash floods often reduces the soil’s effectiveness due to water saturation. Saturated soil experiences a 50% decrease in bearing capacity, reducing it to approximately 10 t/m². This significant reduction makes the saturated soil unable to withstand the required loading intensity or resist the lateral thrust exerted by floodwaters. Water penetration typically occurs near the road edges, where exposed soil becomes saturated, compromising the foundation of the pavement. In construction engineering, it is well-known that clayey soils are unsuitable for foundational purposes due to their poor drainage characteristics. When exposed to water, clayey soils tend to retain moisture, causing a loss of strength and making them prone to scouring and erosion, which can lead to foundation failure. Therefore, sandy soils are preferred in pavement construction for their superior drainage properties, which allow for the effective removal of water and help maintain the foundation’s stability.
Citation:
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