Uncertainty in Bearing Capacity of Sands
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Volume 109, Issue 7
Abstract
Bearing capacity predictions for surface footings on sand based on modifications of Terzaghi's superposition method are partly empirical and partly theoretical. Based on currently available data for surface footings on sand, these predictions are compared with statistical analyses. For small uncertainty in soil properties, coefficients of variation of bearing capacity for cohesionless soil without surcharge range from 20% to 30%. As uncertainty in soil properties is introduced, uncertainty in bearing capacity rises rapidly. Quantified expressions of uncertainty are derived and illustrated by example. These analyses are used to identify sources of uncertainty.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Volume 109 • Issue 7 • July 1983
Pages: 899 - 914
Copyright
Copyright © 1983 ASCE.
History
Published online: Jul 1, 1983
Published in print: Jul 1983
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