Author(s): Sofia Martinez, Miguel Rodriguez
Abstract:
The interaction between soil and water significantly influences foundation performance, particularly in moisture-sensitive soils. This study investigates the effect of varying moisture content on foundation behavior across clayey, silty, and sandy soils. Laboratory tests were conducted using small-scale footing models subjected to water contents of 10%, 20%, and 30%. The results revealed that clayey soils exhibited the highest reduction in bearing capacity (65%) and increased settlement (12.5 mm) at 30% water content. Statistical analyses, including two-way ANOVA and regression, confirmed the significant impact of soil type and moisture content on foundation performance (p < 0.01). The findings emphasize the importance of considering unsaturated soil mechanics in foundation design to mitigate soil-water-related failures. Practical recommendations include moisture control strategies and resilient foundation designs for moisture-sensitive soils. Future studies should focus on field-scale validations to enhance predictive models.
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