Foundation Engineering Exam Guide
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phulbabu707025Foundation Engineering Exam Guide
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Powered by AICoulomb’s theory assumes that the wall movement is sufficient to mobilize the full shear strength of the soil, soil is isotropic and homogeneous, and the failure surface is planar. These assumptions influence practical applications by potentially oversimplifying real-world conditions, requiring adjustments based on empirical observations .
The main types of pile foundations include driven piles, bored piles, and screw piles. Driven piles are best for loose soil conditions, bored piles for dense soils requiring minimal vibration, and screw piles for quick installation and temporary structures .
A disturbed soil sample is not considered truly representative because the soil structure, moisture content, and particle distribution might have been altered. This affects the accuracy of soil tests and analyses, as the samples may not reflect in-situ conditions .
A drilled pier is more advantageous than a caisson in situations where access is limited, overhead space is constrained, or vibrations need to be minimized to prevent damage to nearby structures. Drilled piers are also beneficial when constructing foundations in hard soils or rock .
The design procedure for a strap footing involves determining the loads, designing individual footings, designing the strap beam, and checking the soil pressure under the footings. Key considerations include ensuring even load distribution, controlling differential settlements, and ensuring that the strap beam is sufficiently rigid to tie the footings together .
General shear failure occurs in dense or stiff soils and is characterized by a well-defined failure surface, whereas local shear failure occurs in loose or soft soils and lacks a distinct failure surface. Factors contributing to each type include soil density, cohesion, and the level of confinement .
Site investigations are significant in foundation engineering as they help determine the geotechnical characteristics of the soil, which are crucial in designing a stable foundation. The key components of site investigations include reconnaissance, subsurface exploration, and laboratory testing. Reconnaissance provides an initial overview of the site conditions .
To calculate the ultimate bearing capacity of a strip footing using Terzaghi’s theory, essential parameters include the width of the footing, depth of foundation, cohesion of soil, angle of internal friction, and the unit weight of soil. The ultimate bearing capacity (q_ultimate) is calculated using the formula: q_ultimate = c'N_cs + qN_q + 0.5γBN_γ, where N_c, N_q, and N_γ are bearing capacity factors related to the soil's angle of internal friction .
Vesic’s bearing capacity theory improves upon previous theories by incorporating more realistic soil conditions and foundation types, which provide a more accurate estimation of the soil's load-bearing capabilities. It is particularly applicable in scenarios involving layered soil deposits or foundations on slopes .
The presence of a high water table can reduce the bearing capacity of soil by reducing effective stress and increasing pore water pressure. To mitigate this, modifications such as increasing the depth of footing, using pile foundations, or installing dewatering systems can be employed .