Modelling of Typical Square Footing for Sustainable Infrastructure (Published)

This study investigated the empirical modelling of a typical square footing with a focus on predicting bearing capacity. To achieve the aim of the study, soil samples were collected from identified construction sites withjn Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state, Southwestern Nigeria. The samples were subjected to preliminary and geotechnical engineering tests, using standard procedure. The values of bearing capacity (square footing) of the soils were also computed using Terzaghi;s bearing capacity equation. Subsequently, Microsoft Excel tool was used to develop multilinear regression bearing capacity model models by relating computed bearing capacity values and experimental values of selected soil properties. Validation of the models showed moderate predictive capability, confirming the practicality of simplified approaches for preliminary design. The results demonstrate that soil gradation and plasticity significantly affect load-bearing behaviour. The findings highlight the importance of combining experimental data with numerical tools to improve accuracy in geotechnical design. The study contributes to sustainable infrastructure development by providing cost-effective and reliable methods for foundation analysis. Ultimately, the integration of statistical modelling offers a robust framework for optimising shallow foundation performance in heterogeneous soil conditions.

Keywords: Bearing capacity, Modelling, Sustainable Development, footing, foundation

Experimental Investigation on the Bearing Capacity of Selected Soils in Ayedaade Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria (Published)

As a result of the importance of foundation in engineering construction, it is important to investigate the bearing capacity of construction soils, this study therefore investigated the bearing capacity of soils in Ayedaade Local Government Area, southwest Nigeria. To achieve the aim of this study, soil samples were collected from selected 20 construction sites in the study area. Using standard procedures, preliminary and geotechnical tests such as natural moisture content, particle size analysis, specific gravity, Atterberg limits, compaction and triaxial tests were conducted on the soil samples. Subsequently, Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equations were employed, alongside already determined shear strength parameters, to estimate the bearing capacity of different footing geometry (circular, square and strip footing). Results showed that majority of the soil samples are well-graded and could also be classified as A-2-4. Results of triaxial tests also showed that the soils are all c-ϕ soils. For each of the soil samples, square footing had the highest bearing capacity while strip footing had the lowest. It was also concluded that the tested soils are all excellent to good foundation materials.

Citation: Adunoye G.O., Kareem S.P., Odetola H.M. (2023) Experimental Investigation on the Bearing Capacity of Selected Soils in Ayedaade Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria, International Journal of Civil Engineering, Construction and Estate Management, Vol.11, No.1, pp.45-57

Keywords: Bearing capacity, Building, Construction, Structure, foundation