APSC AE WRD 2019 PYQ: Soil Bearing Capacity

Soil Bearing Capacity Multiple Choice Question

Question: The bearing capacity of soil can be improved by:
(A) Increasing the depth of footing
(B) Draining the sub-soil water
(C) Ramming granular material like crushed stone into the soil
(D) All of the above

Answer: (D) All of the above

Explanation

The bearing capacity of soil refers to its ability to support the loads applied by a structure without excessive settlement or failure. Each method listed in the options enhances the soil's bearing capacity in distinct ways, making all of them effective techniques.

Methods to Improve Bearing Capacity

Method	Description	Effect on Bearing Capacity
Increasing Depth of Footing	Placing footings at a greater depth to reach stronger soil strata.	Increases overburden pressure, improves shear strength, and avoids weak surface layers.
Draining Sub-soil Water	Removing water to reduce pore water pressure in the soil.	Increases effective stress, enhancing shear strength, particularly in cohesive soils like clay.
Ramming Granular Material	Compacting or replacing soil with granular materials like crushed stone.	Improves soil density and frictional resistance, effective in granular soils or loose fills.

Key Notes

• Increasing the depth of footing ensures that the foundation rests on stronger, more stable soil layers, reducing the risk of failure.
• Draining sub-soil water is particularly effective in cohesive soils, where reducing pore water pressure significantly boosts bearing capacity.
• Ramming granular material is a common soil improvement technique that enhances density and stability, especially in loose or granular soils.
• These methods are widely used in geotechnical engineering to ensure safe and stable foundation design.

Note: Improving the bearing capacity of soil through these methods is critical for ensuring the stability and longevity of structures in civil engineering projects.

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