Developing physical model for bearing capacity and flow net applications

Abstract

Bearing capacity and flow nets are geotechnical problems that civil engineers will encounter in practice. Small scaled physical models can be used to improve understanding of physical behavior for these two particular problems. The ultimate load which a foundation can support may be calculated using bearing capacity theory. An experimental study procedure of soil ultimate bearing capacity was developed based on a previous research project student. One dimension consolidation was introduced in order to reduce the moisture content of the clay sample after mixed. Fine sand and coarse sand were also used in this study. Flow net is a graphical solution of the Laplace equation used to estimated the seepage quantities. Seepage quantities are often required for foundation engineering work to determine the pumping requirements to dewater excavation sites and cofferdams. The double-wall cofferdam model was selected to simulate the flow nets concept. The model was also used for the study of the quicksand failure condition.