Deflection of Multilayer Soil Systems

The deflections of multilayer soil systems under circular distributed loads are investigated theoretically and experimentally. The deflections at the center and edge of a uniformly loaded flexible circular area on a three-layer elastic system are evaluated according to the theory of elasticity. Model plate-loading tests are performed on a soil-cement/sand/clay three-layer system, a soil-cement/clay two-layer system and others. The data of deflections from these tests are compared with estimates based on the theory of elasticity. The effect of geometrical conditions on the deflection-pressure relationship of layered soil systems may be explained by the theory of elasticity, although, in general, the deflection-pressure relation curves are not straight, but exponential.