Assignment-Allowable Bearing Capacity Based on SPT-N value

Q-1: A water storage tank is to be constructed at a site which is partially underground with its base slab
(raft) founded at a depth of 3 m below the NSL. The various features of the tank are:
Dimensions of the tank: 6.5 m x 6.5 m in plan
Height of the water in the tank: 5.5 m
Thickness of base (raft) slab: 0.6 m
Thickness of top RC slab: 0.4 m
The geotechnical investigation at the site was carried out through three exploratory borings, 2 drilled to
a depth of 10 m and one to a depth of 15 m below the NSL. Fig-1 shows the geotechnical profile of the
boreholes along the longitudinal axis. The direct shear tests on the silty sand have indicated average
strength parameters as: c=0 and =30o
Required:
Based on the results of the geotechnical investigation, check whether the ground is adequate to support
the pressure exerted by the proposed structure keeping in mind the two basic requirements of the
foundation design. For estimating settlement, you may use any method based on SPT-N value, ignore
any corrections to SPT-N value.

Q-2: At the same site, a three storied commercial plaza is to be constructed. The foundation system for
this facility will comprise isolated footings connected with tie beams. The building will also have one
basement with clear height of 3 m. The footings will be founded at 1 m below the finished floor level of
the basement. Estimate allowable bearing capacity for square footings with width between 1.5 m to 3m.
BH-1 BH-3 BH-3 NSL

SPT-N SPT-N SPT-N

1m 6 3 6
sandy Silt

2 =16 kN/m3)
5 5 11

3 11 9 15

4 14 12 14

5 18 13 16

6 23 16 15
silty Sand
7 24 20 18

8 22 20 20

9 23 25 26

10
29 20 23

21

29
GWT

35

30

15m 36

Fig-1: The subsoil profile at the proposed

site.