Settlement analysis of shallow foundations on sand
Bovolenta, R.
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers. Geotechnical Engineering 164(5)
2011
DOI: 10.1680/geng.9.00048
Accession: 037154094
The evaluation of ground movements is one of the most important issues in geotechnical engineering applications. In this context, the paper is aimed at prediction of the load-settlement performance of shallow foundations by taking soil non-linearity into account. The approach illustrated is based on the operational stiffness concept, characterising field behaviour with reference to relative foundation settlements, indicating pseudo-strain levels. A strain correction factor and a modulus correction factor, relating laboratory and field stiffness degradation curves, are introduced. Values of these factors are supplied on the basis of well-documented tests performed on Ticino sand, and can be adopted in elastic relationships for the prediction of load-settlement curves. The procedure, developed in order to supply the designer with a practical tool, is described, and some applications are presented.