A framework to predict the load-settlement behavior of shallow foundations in a range of soils from silty clays to sands using CPT records

• Published in: Soft computing (Berlin, Germany) Vol. 26; no. 7; pp. 3545 - 3560
• Main Authors: MolaAbasi, Hossein, Khajeh, Aghileh, Chenari, Reza Jamshidi, Payan, Meghdad
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.04.2022
• Subjects: Application of Soft Computing; Artificial Intelligence; Computational Intelligence; Control; Engineering; Mathematical Logic and Foundations; Mechatronics; Robotics; Ultimate bearing capacity; Load-settlement curve; Volterra series; Sensitivity analysis
• ISSN: 1432-7643; 1433-7479
• DOI: 10.1007/s00500-021-06485-8

Using a set of cone penetration test ( CPT ) records, the current paper develops a general framework based on regression analyses to model the load-settlement ( q-s ) behavior of shallow foundations resting on a variety of soils ranging from silty clays to sands. A three-parameter hyperbolic function is employed to rigorously examine the obtained q-s curves and to determine the model parameters. Also, the results of some CPT soundings, including the corrected cone tip resistance ( q t ) and the skin friction ( R f ), are adopted to predict the results of plate load tests ( PLT ). The findings corroborate the high accuracy of the proposed model, the reasonable performance of the hyperbolic function and the use of the Volterra series to predict the q-s curves. Moreover, the obtained curves from the newly developed model are compared to those from other methods in the literature which cross-confirms the efficacy of the current model. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted, and the exclusive effects of all the contributing parameters are assessed among which R f is shown to be the most influential. Ultimately, simple solutions are adopted to determine various key geotechnical parameters, like the ultimate bearing capacity ( q ult ), the allowable bearing capacity ( q a ) and the modulus of subgrade reaction ( k s ).