Example Problem 6.16 For cohesive surface layer (total stress analysis)—Assume that
based on a liquefaction analysis (Sec. 13.4), there will be a zone of liquefaction that extends
from a depth of 3 to 8.5 m below ground surface. Assume the surface soil (upper 3 m) consists
of an unliquefiable cohesive soil. It is proposed to construct a sewage disposal plant. The structural
engineer would
like
to use shallow
strip footings to support exterior
walls
and interior
spread
footings to support isolated columns. It is proposed that the bottom of the footings will
be
at a depth of 0.5 m below
ground surface.
The
structural engineer has also indicated that the
maximum
total loads (including the weight of the footing and the dynamic loads) are 50 kN/m
for
the strip footings and 500 kN for the spread footings. It is desirable to use 1-m wide strip
footings
and square spread footings that are 2 m wide.
For the 3-m thick unliquefiable cohesive soil layer, assume that the undrained shear strength
s
of the soil is equal to 50 kPa. Calculate the factor of safety of the footings using Eqs. 6.30
and 6.31.
u