Soft zones in otherwise firm and stiff clays
Soft zones in otherwise firm and stiff clays
(OP)
I have recently worked on recommending foundations for sites in Mercia Mudstone, which generally is a competent stratum for shallow strip footings, and would like to know the following:
If soft zones are encountered at depths of 1.00 - 2.00 m, is it more appropriate to excavate deeper trench footings in the hope of finding a more competent stratum, or to consider piled foundations, thinking of the fact that trench footings become uneconomical below 2.50 m??





RE: Soft zones in otherwise firm and stiff clays
I realise that this is a wooly answer but without the data you can't make an informed decision.
Andy Machon
RE: Soft zones in otherwise firm and stiff clays
Are you concerned about settlement? Extrusion of the soft zones? Or just anxious because the zones are soft? Have you checked your settlement analyses to see if you really have a problem?