Explain the effect of water table on bearing capacity of soil.

2 Answers

Answer :

Effect of water table on bearing of capacity of soil:

1. When the water table reaches the ground where the depth is greater footing the bearing capacity is reduced by 50% or more.

2. The bearing capacity is not affected for purely cohesive soil.

3. The bearing capacity for non-granular soil decreases with presence of water table.

4. Presence of water table for shallow depth give poor bearing capacity as compared for larger depth foundation.

5. When water table is above base of footing-submerged weight of soil should be considered for bearing capacity.

6. When water table is somewhat below the base of footing-elastic wedge is partially saturated soil should be considered.

7. When water table is at a depth D equal to width of footing below the base of footing-a linear interpolation in reduction factor should be made for bearing capacity calculations.

8. As ground water table rises accordingly bearing capacity of soil decreases.


Answer :

Effect of water table on bearing capacity of soil:

i. The rise in water table from below the foundation results in decrease in granular soil.

ii. When the water table reaches the ground where the depth is greater footing the bearing capacity is reduced by 50% or more.

iii. The bearing capacity is not affected for purely cohesive soil.

iv. The bearing capacity for non-granular soil decreases with presence of water table.

v. Presence of water table for shallow depth give poor bearing capacity as compared for larger depth foundation.

vi. When water table is above base of footing-submerged weight of soil should be considered for bearing capacity.

vii. When water table is somewhat below the base of footing-elastic wedge is partially saturated soil should be considered.

viii. When water table is at a depth D equal to width of footing below the base of footing-a linear interpolation in reduction factor should be made for bearing capacity calculations.

ix. As ground water table rises accordingly bearing capacity of soil decreases.

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