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a) The weight of a building on the underlying soil, especially fill soils that were added just prior to construction, will naturally compress the soil. Clay soils, in particular, become very dense as moisture is squeezed out. As the soil consolidates and shrinks, the foundation settles downward, a movement that can cause cracks and other structural damage. Discuss in details the following in settlement of foundation engineering and design:
I. Consolidation Settlement or Primary Compression

 II. Differential Settlement
III. Initial Settlement or Elastic Compression 

b) Bearing capacity is the power of foundation soil to hold the forces from the superstructure without undergoing shear failure or excessive settlement. In order words, it is the load carrying capacity of the soil. Discuss the following with respect to foundation design:
I. Ultimate Bearing Capacity:
II. Net ultimate Bearing Capacity 

III. Safe Bearing Capacity

IV. Allowable Bearing Pressure 

V. Factor of safety

c) Foundations provide the support and resistance of the loads of the structures above. They serve as structural systems that transfer loads to the soil below and that provide stability, including resistance to overturning, sliding, and uplift, for the overall structure. Due to the importance of their structural system to the overall structure, it is imperative that their structural integrity is maintained for the overall structure to function. Discuss the following types of foundation failures:
I. General Shear Failure 

II. Local Shear Failure

d) Discuss assumptions made in footing design

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

a consolidation settlement reduction in volume due to expulsion of water under an increased load dif... View the full answer