GIS based allowable bearing capacity thematic maps of shallow foundation for Bogura District, Bangladesh

Abstract

This investigation aims to create thematic maps of the allowable load-bearing capacity (BC) of shallow footings based on the findings of standard penetration tests (SPTs) carried out in Bogura District. Structural engineers utilize the allowable soil BC to calculate the required dimensions of the shallow footing for the buildings they want to build. 255 boreholes (BHs) were drilled in the research region, which were dispersed randomly. Four SPTs were conducted in each borehole at depths of 1.5, 3, 6, and 9 m, measured from the current ground level (EGL). To assess the accurate SPT-N values, a variety of criteria were taken into consideration, including the unit weight, the groundwater table (GWT), and other correction factors. The allowed soil BC at 1.5, 3, 6, and 9 meters was then estimated using the adjusted SPT-N values. The final product is a set of themed GIS maps of the city, each hue representing a different number for the permissible soil holding capacity. Since clay is present at shallow depths, the allowable BC in 86.5% of the region at 1.5 m depth was less than 73.13 kN/m2, and in 82.4% of the area at 3 m depth, it was between 64.38 and 96.31 kN/m2. For the whole area, the predicted permissible BC for depths of 6 and 9 meters was greater than 100 kN/m2. Various local authorities can use these maps to determine the appropriate type of foundation and forecast the soil carrying capacity. It may also be used to evaluate the likelihood of failure and collapse as well as the foundations of both existing and poorly designed buildings.

Keywords

• Bearing capacity
• Thematic map
• Shallow foundation
• Bogura district
• Corrected spt-n

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