FEATURES OF THE BEARING CAPACITY ESTIMATION OF THE COLLAPSING SOIL BASES

Abstract

Mass construction of structures is complicated on collapsing soils. The time course of deformations in collapsing soils is determined by their moisture content. Since collapsing soils are usually in a low moisture state, their compressive strain from external load occurs within a relatively brief time. Soil subsidence, and equally collapsing in the water-saturated state, occurs over a longer period since these processes are associated with water filtration through the soil column. Thus, the improvement of the quality and efficiency of construction on collapsing soils largely depends on the proper assessment of their properties. The paper presents the practical experience of designing a section of a big ring road. There are issues of design features discussed, engineering-geological investigations, and soil tests with stamps given. Based on the obtained results, the choice of structural solutions for road pavement is substantiated. Recommendations on the design and assessment of the bearing capacity of collapsing soils are developed.