Ch.

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Problems of Soil Mechanics

a. Stability problems: deal with the conditions of ultimate failure of a soil mass (earth
pressure, bearing capacity, stability of slopes). The most important feature is the
determination of the load which will cause failure of the soil mass.

b. Elasticity problems: deal with stress or deformation of the soil when no failure of the
soil is involved (stresses at points in a soil mass under a footing or behind a retaining
wall, deformations around tunnels or excavations, all settlement problems).

c. Progressive failure problems: deal with the elastic-plastic transition from the initial
linear elastic state to the ultimate failure state of the soil by plastic flow.

*The methods of assessing the collapse load of stability problems:

1. Slip-line method.
2. Limit equilibrium method.
3. Limit analysis method (lower-bound and upper-bound).
 1.2 Foundation Classification
a. Shallow (D ≤ B)
1. Spread (pad and wall)
2. Combined (rectangular, trapezoidal and strap)
3. Continuous
4. Mat

b. Deep [D > (4 to 5) B].

1. Piles
2. Caissons

1.3 General Requirements of Foundations

a. Depth must be adequate to avoid lateral expulsion of material from beneath the foundation.

b. Depth must be below the zone of seasonal volume changes caused by freezing, thawing and plant
growth.

c. System must be safe against overturning, rotation, sliding, or soil rupture (shear failure).

d. System must be safe against corrosion or deterioration due to harmful materials present in the soil.

e. System should be adequate to sustain some changes in later site or construction geometry, and be
easily modified should later changes be major in scope.

f. The foundation should be economical in terms of the method of installation.

g. Total earth movements (settlements) and differential movements should be tolerable for both the
foundation and superstructure elements.
Fig. 3.2

h. The foundation and its construction, must meet environmental protection standards.