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.
