2.4. Bearing Capacity

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is bearing capacity?

   Hint

   Think about what a bridge or building rests on.

2. 2.

   What happens to void ratio during compaction?

   Hint

   Visualize how packing a suitcase reduces empty spaces.

3. 3.

   What is the primary effect of compaction on soil?

   • Increases voids
   • Decreases density
   • Increases density

   Hint

   Visualize soil being compressed to understand the effect.

4. 4.

   True or False: Compaction always reduces settlement.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what happens to a sponge when compacted.

5. 5.

   You are tasked with constructing a bridge over a marshy area. Explain how you would address the issue of soil bearing capacity given the conditions.

   Hint

   Consider the importance of soil stability for large structures.

6. 6.

   Compare the compressibility of a soil compacted dry of optimum with one compacted wet of optimum under a fixed load. Discuss the implications for construction.

   Hint

   Think about how moisture content and particle arrangement affect overall soil behavior.