GIS for Highway Engineering Bearing Capacity Evaluation

Abstract

The bearing capacity of soils under highway engineering differs from that of soils under the building foundation as a result of different superstructure types and foundation forms. Determining the characteristic value of highway bearing capacity by directly adopting the evaluation method from building codes is conceptually indefensible because such codes do not represent the real bearing capacity of highway foundations. By analyzing the superstructure types and foundation forms of highway subgrade, bridge, culvert, and building, the evaluation methods of highway foundation, bridge, and culvert are determined. Furthermore, a three-level classification system of highway foundations is presented and a highway engineering bearing capacity evaluation system based on Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is established. By using the spatial data management and spatial data analysis platform of GIS and by combining the plate-loading testing data and engineering properties of different soils, the system accomplishes the effective evaluation of the bearing capacity beneath the highway subgrade, bridge, and culvert, and provides a theoretical basis and practical reference for the evaluation of the bearing capacity and the choice of ground improvement in engineering design and construction.