Employing Numerical Modelling to Calculate Changes in Safety Factors for The Bearing Capacity of Expansive Clay Soil Subjected to Cycles of Full Wetting and Partial Drying

Abstract

Soil mechanics provides a theoretical framework for understanding the behaviour of soil in relation to structures and the extent to which it is influenced by various natural and unnatural factors. A series of laboratory experiments on soil are conducted in its current condition, without consideration of potential long-term changes to its specifications and behaviour. Furthermore, the implications of these changes on the most crucial soil calculations, namely bearing capacity and safety factors, are not addressed. This prompted us to emphasise the potential risks associated with the failure to consider the changes that occur in clay soils. In this research, the findings of prior experiments on expansive soils subjected to cycles of complete wetting and partial drying were used as a basis for numerical modelling using the MATLAB program. This resulted in the derivation of mathematical equations that express the changes with the number of cycles. The Hansen relationship was employed for the calculation of the bearing capacity of the soil, as well as for the determination of the safety factors. A clear decline was observed in the bearing capacity values for the various soil types under investigation. Additionally, a notable reduction in safety factor values was identified, with some soils exhibiting a decrease exceeding 40%. This is a significant concern due to the potential for substantial material and human losses. It was thus imperative to consider the impact of wetting and drying cycles when conducting laboratory experiments to ascertain the actual safety factors in structures.