Statistical Modelling of the Relationship Between Bearing Capacity and Fines Content of Soil using Square Footing

Abstract

This paper focuses on the use of non-linear regression to model the relationship between bearing capacity and fines content of soil, using square footing. This is with a view to providing a faster and economical method for determining the bearing capacity of soil. Lateritic soil samples were collected and subjected to laboratory tests/analysis which include: determination of particle size; separation of fines content from the coarse fraction by wet sieving; reconstitution of the fines and the coarse fractions in varying proportions of fines to coarse ratios, from 0:100 in 10% increments; and laboratory tests leading to the determination of the bearing capacity. Statistical (non-linear regression) models were then developed and evaluated to ascertain the relationship between bearing capacity of square footing and fines content of the soil samples. The results of the study showed that the bearing capacity of soil samples generally reduced with increase in fines content. The developed model was found to be valid and revealed that a non-linear relationship exists between the bearing capacity of square footing and fines content.

Keywords: bearing capacity, coarse fraction, fines content, square footing.