Alternative foundation for reducing building losses due to foundation failure in soft soil

Abstract

Much damage to buildings occurs in areas that have soft soil layers due to the failure of the foundations. Besides, foundations in soft soils generally require very expensive construction. For this reason, proper research needs to help develop strong foundations that can be used on soft soils with relatively low cost. In this research, foundations with various diameters and depths were tested on soft soil. The foundations were made of PVC pipes with diameters of ½ ", 1", 2 " or 2.5" and the same depth. Soft soil in the form of clay with particle-sizes that passed filter No. 200 was used. Before testing the foundations, carrying capacity analysis was done using the classical method on each pipe with a closed head so that the optimum carrying capacity of each foundation (PVC Pipe) was known. From this test the influence of the size of the foundations on the carrying capacity of soft soil could be seen. The results of this research will help reduce building loss/damage in areas dominated by soft topsoil