CAUSES OF FOUNDATION SETTLEMENT AT BARNAWA COMPLEX, KADUNA
Salihu Andaa Yunusa1, Lawal Sani2&Abubakar Sani Kazaure3
Department of Civil Engineering
Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna
Email:
Salihu.andaayunusa@yahoo.com1, abukazaure@yahoo.com3
Abstract: This research present results of laboratory investigation into the cause of settlement of foundation structure, at Barnawa Complex Kaduna. Soil samples were collected from four trial pits located at each side of the building (approach view, rare view and the side views). The soils collected were used to determine the behaviour of the soil present in the site so as to access the suitability of the soil to carry the imposed load. Both disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected for visual examination, laboratory testing and classification. The soil samples were subjected to Natural moisture content test, Particle size analysis, Atterberg limit, Compaction, CBR, Specific gravity, Shear box and Consolidation test, and the values obtained from the analysis are between 5.26%-19.16%, 18.50%-27%, MDD is 1.89g/cm3-2.16g/cm3 & OMC 11.2%-13.00%, 2.32%-34.58%, 2.51-2.65, C is 27KN/m2-65.527KN/m2&Φ is 11o-28o, 1.282 – 6.239m2/year & 23.00X10-3 -99.00X10-3 m2/KN respectively. Bearing capacity ranges between 465.92-2125.44 while safe bearing capacity is between 310.6 -1416.96 and the total settlement is 114.4mm. The result shows that the natural moisture content of the soil increases with increase in water table. From visual inspection during rainy season the site experiences rise in water table beyond reasonable doubt causing the reduction in the strength of the soil which made the building to experience excessive settlement.
Keywords: Foundation Structure; Bearing Capacity; Total Settlement; Consolidation;