GROUP 3:
• RAHIM HASSAN 23/699/BARC-J
• OBI OWEN 23/UG/977/BARC-J
• KIDRI RASHIDI 23/UG/087/BARC-J
• Bambo Enoch Balmoyi 23/UG/118/BARC-J
• Mazzi Nuulu Merisha 23/UG/1419/BARC-J
YEAR: YEAR ONE SEM TWO
COURSE: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY
1
Building Construction Technology
1. what is soil bearing capacity?
Soil bearing capacity is a fundamental concept in architecture and construction referring to the ability of soil
to withstand the loads apllied to it without undergoing shear failure or excessive settlement.
It is a critical factor in the design of foundations for buildings and other structures, as it determines the
maximum load that the soil can safely bear.
2. what factors influence the soil bearing capacity?
The bearing capacity of soil is influenced by many factors for instance the type and composition of the soil,
the foundation width and depth, the soil weight and surcharge, and spacing between foundations. These
factors are related to the loads exerted on the soil and considerably affect the bearing capacity.
a. Soil Type and Composition: cohesionless soil demonstrates this relationship.
Weak soil layers reduce bearing capacity.
Different soil types have varying bearing
capacities. c. Soil Weight and Surcharge:
Cohesive soils (like clay) generally have lower The contribution of subsurface and surcharge
bearing capacities compared to granular soils soil, which are influenced by water table, to the
(such as sand and gravel). bearing capacity cannot be ignored. The water
table should not be above the base of the
b. Foundation Width and Depth:
foundation to avoid construction, seepage, and
Foundation width affects bearing capacity of uplift problems. If the water table is below the
cohesionless soil. depth of the failure surface, then it has no
influence on the bearing capacity.
Wider foundations on cohesionless soil (where
shear strength depends on internal friction) have
higher bearing capacity. Cohesive soil (constant
d. Spacing Between Foundations:
shear strength and infinite depth) is independent
of foundation width. It is recommended to consider minimum spacing
between footings, which 1.5 times foundation
Foundation Depth: Deeper foundations generally
width, during the design of foundation in order to
lead to greater bearing capacity. Uniform
avoid reduction in bearing capacity.
2
Environmental factors such as dynamic forces like earthquakes or machinery vibrations, can alter the soil's
structure and stability
e. Earthquake and Dynamic Motion:
Repeated movements increase pore pressure in foundation soil, decreasing bearing capacity.
Sources: earthquakes, machinery vibrations, vehicular traffic, blasting, and pile driving.
3. How to improve the bearing capacity of the soil?
Improving the bearing capacity of soil is crucial for the stability and safety of any construction project.
There are several methods to achieve this and when applied correctly, can ensure a solid foundation
for various engineering structures:
a. Increasing Foundation Depth: d. Confining the Soil:
Deeper foundations experience higher Bounded areas (e.g., sheet piles) confine
overburden pressure, compacting the soil soil, enhancing its load-bearing ability.
and improving its bearing capacity.
Suitable for sandy soils.
b. Draining the Soil:
e. Replacing Poor Soil:
Excess water reduces bearing capacity.
Blend granular materials (sand, gravel,
Install drains near the footing base to collect crushed stone) into weak soil.
and remove subsoil water.
Ramming improves soil strength.
c. Compacting the Soil:
f. Using Grouting Material:
Proper compaction increases soil density and
Inject grout (cementitious material) into soil to
strength.
enhance its properties.
Use compaction equipment during
g. Stabilizing with Chemicals:
construction.
Chemical additives (lime, cement, fly ash)
stabilize soil.
Ideal for expansive or problematic soils.
