Abstract

The paper describes the analysis of over 200 records of settlement of foundations, tanks and embankments on sands and gravels. A remarkably simple picture has emerged relating the settlement to the bearing pressure, the breadth of loaded area and the average SPT blow count or cone resistance over the depth of influence. The influence of a number of factors such as shape and depth of foundation, depth of water table, grain size and time have been investigated. The paper first briefly describes the application of the results to the prediction of settlement with particular emphasis on the limits of accuracy. Paragraphs 6-24 are self contained and may be used on their own for design purposes. The paper follows this with a detailed account of the analysis of the case records.(Author abstract)