Calculation Method for Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Meadow Soil Foundation

Abstract

Meadow soil is rich in fresh plant roots and differs considerably from general soft soil in terms of its engineering characteristics. Previous studies have shown that reticulated roots can produce a reinforcement effect and thus improve the overall bearing capacity of foundations. In accordance with the actual conditions of the Tupo Highway Project, Xinjiang, China, the meadow soil for the model test was prepared by employing similarity theory. The model box tests of 0, 1, 3, and 6-cm meadow soil on soft soil foundation were performed. The distribution of the vertical additional stress under the highway and the settlement of the foundation at different locations were measured. It was verified that the meadow soil foundation undergoes an evident stress diffusion effect, which can effectively reduce the vertical additional stress and settlement in the foundation. However, it would also increase the distribution area of the additional stress. Finally, according to the stress distribution characteristics of the meadow soil foundation, a calculation method for determining the ultimate bearing capacity of a meadow soil foundation was developed. The calculation results were found to closely agree with the measured values.