Study on Physical Properties and Bearing Capacity of Quaternary Residual Sand for Building Foundations: A Case Study of Beaches in Quanzhou, China

Abstract

This study addresses engineering challenges associated with sandy residual deposits in the coastal zone of Quanzhou, China, characterized by high void ratios (e > 0.8), low cohesion (c < 10 kPa), and strong liquefaction tendencies induced by marine dynamic forces. Focusing on the beach sands of Shenhu Bay and Qingshan Bay, 123 in situ dynamic penetration tests and 12 laboratory physical–mechanical tests (including water content, particle gradation, relative density, and triaxial shear strength) were conducted. The correlations between the physical and mechanical properties of these coastal sandy soils and their foundation bearing capacity were systematically analyzed. Results reveal that the sands, predominantly medium-to-fine grains with 8–15% biogenic debris, are generally in a loose-to-medium dense state (relative density ~34%), with negligible cohesion. Shear strength depends primarily on the internal friction angle (28.89–37.43°). Correlation analyses show that water content (17.8–31.92%) and particle gradation parameters (uniformity coefficient Cu and curvature coefficient Cc) significantly influence bearing capacity, with bearing capacity increasing by 12.15% per 14.12% rise in water content and 35% per 0.518 increase in Cc. An improved foundation bearing capacity model based on the Prandtl–Reissner theory is proposed by integrating particle gradation and water content, tailored for beach foundations in Quanzhou. Model validation demonstrates an average error of approximately 15%, outperforming traditional models. These findings provide valuable theoretical support for assessing foundation stability in building construction projects in Quanzhou and similar coastal regions.