Climate‐Controlled Soil Design Parameters for Mat Foundations
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Volume 116, Issue 7
Abstract
Mat foundation design requires an analysis of the mat when subjected to unsupported regions due to swelling or shrinkage of expansive soils. A study was conducted to investigate simple rational methods for calculating the active zone depth (z) and from it the edge moisture penetration distance in expansive soils. Analysis of soil moisture diffusion assuming a periodic variation in surface‐soil suction indicated that z can be a function of the maximum suction change imposed, minimum suction change considered significant, climate frequency, and field diffusion coefficient. The may be given by where D is the depth of the foundation or perimeter stiffening beam below ground surface. Data required to evaluate z and were obtained from field observations made during an 18‐month study on airport pavements on expansive soils. These climatic parameters may also be used in design of mat foundations supporting structures.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Volume 116 • Issue 7 • July 1990
Pages: 1073 - 1094
Copyright
Copyright © 1990 ASCE.
History
Published online: Jul 1, 1990
Published in print: Jul 1990
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