Umudike Journal of Engineering and Technology

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike


INFLUENCE OF FLUCTUATIONS OF GROUND WATER LEVEL ON BEARING CAPACITY URUAN SOIL

Okonkwo, U. N.
Department of Civil Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, P.M.B 7267, Umuahia, Abia State

Nwadike, E. C.
Department of Civil Engineering, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, P.M.B 1036, Owerri, Imo State



ABSTRACT

This study was an attempt to study the effect of fluctuations of ground water level on the bearing capacity of Uruan soil. The preliminary tests as well as the direct shear test was carried out on the soil to determine the geotechnical properties for characterization of the soil and also to determine the bearing capacity of the soil at different conditions of ground water levels. The soil was classified to be A-2-4(0) based on the AASHTO rating while it was regarded as silty sand (SM) based on the Unified classification system.  The ultimate bearing capacity reduced by 19.67%, 16.04% and 14.70% for strip, square and circular footings respectively at the rise of water level to the ground surface. In the same vein, the ultimate bearing capacity reduced by 9.67%, 6.99% and 5.40% for strip, square and circular footing respectively at the rise of water level to the base of the footing.



Keywords: Ground Water level, Bearing capacity, Shallow footings and Uruan soil


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Published
Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Issue
Vol. 4 No. 1, JUNE 2018

Article Section
GENERAL

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