Tutorial 2 – Settlement Analysis

Question 1

A foundation base is 4 m x 4 m in plan and it induces a net pressure of 150 kPa at foundation level
which is 1m below ground surface. The subsoil is clay from ground level to a depth of 7 m where
it overlays relatively incompressible rock. The groundwater table is 1 m below ground level and
the properties of the clay are as follows: ϒ=18 kN/m3, ϒsat =20 kN/m3, Eu = 40 MN/m2, Cu = 200
kPa, mv = 0.8 - 0.04d m2/MN where d is the depth below ground level.

a) Sketch the above situation.

b) Compute the immediate settlement of the layer.

c) Subdivide the layer below the foundation into three sub-layers and estimate the
consolidation settlement at the Centre of the base. Use the attached settlement calculation
sheet Q1.

Question 2

The Gaborone City Council proposes to construct various structures on a site consisting of a
saturated clay layer 6.5m thick after which it is underlain by an incompressible layer.

a) A foundation 10m long and 5 m wide applies a uniform pressures of q = 75 kN/m2 on the
surface of the clay described above. Given that the undrained modulus of the clay Eu = 8
MN/m2, determine the immediate settlement of the foundation.

b) Figure Q2 now shows a 4 m x 4 m pad foundation placed in the same clay deposit at a depth
of 1.5m. The soil profile and the associated properties are as detailed in the figure. Calculate
the consolidation settlement using the Cc method.
Settlement calculation Sheet Q1

Δz Z n=L/Z m=B/Z K Δσz d mv ΔH (mm)

Layer No. (m) (m) (kPa) (m)
 q = 100 kPa Water table
Q
3
ϒsat=19.5 kN/m , Cc = 0.8
1.5 m e0 = 0.8

ϒsat=19.5 kN/m3, Cc = 0.8

1.5 m e0 = 0.8

3
2.0 m ϒsat=18.0 kN/m , Cc = 0.31
e0 = 1.0

3
1.5 m ϒsat=19.5 kN/m , Cc = 0.26
e0 = 0.7

Layer Δz z n m k Δσz P1 P2 ΔH (m)

Fig. Q2