ASSESSMENT OF SOILS DEFORMABILITY UNDER VERTICAL LOAD

Abstract

Laboratory and experimental tests in huge amount are required during engineering surveys for large and critical buildings and structures especially in complex geological conditions. The laboratory investigations are applicable in cases with no possibility for field tests. However, as a rule the results obtained from laboratory investigations (in particular compression tests) show conservative values of deformation modulus, which leads to underestimate of soil foundations load-carrying capacity, cost increase of foundations for buildings and structures as well as significant overrun of expensive construction materials. The paper shows laboratory tests results (compression and stabilometric) for unixial and triaxial compression of soil samples; results of field plate-load tests for vertical pressed load over natural soil massif. It also brings comparison of stress-strain properties obtained by results of compression, stabilometer and plate-load tests with derivation of regional correction factors for Nur-Sultan City (Kazakhstan). In case of using the recommended regional coefficients while determining the overall deformation modulus by laboratory tests, a significant economic effect is achieved as a result of cost reduction for materials and construction of foundations for buildings and structures.