Research Article
S. B. Akpila, I. W. Omunguye
Abstract
The influence of foundation settlement on appropriation of bearing capacity of shallow footings on sandy clays has been studied through deep subsurface borings, laboratory tests and analysis. Generally, allowable bearing capacity values vary from 73-86kN/m2 for raft foundation breadth of 19.3m and 29.5m up to 3m depth below ground level. Values of immediate settlement, Si, for foundation breadths of 19.3m and 23.3m were 6mm and 7.2mm respectively for a bearing pressure of 50kN/m2, while immediate settlement of 9.6mm and 11.7mm were respectively obtained for a bearing pressure of 80kN/m2. Total settlement values ranged from 64-91mm under a bearing pressure of 50kN/m2 as foundation depth decreases. For higher bearing pressure of 80kN/m2, total settlement values ranged from 103- 146mm with decrease in foundation depth. For satisfactory deformation requirement, a bearing pressure of 50kN/m2 gave settlement values satisfying the maximum allowable limits for mat foundations on clays, while 80kN/m2 gave excessive settlement values.