Settlement rate of foundations on unsaturated soils

Abstract

This paper deals with the one-dimensional consolidation of unsaturated soils due to the application of external loads. A simple equation is derived that enables one to predict the rate of settlement of shallow foundations with time. This equation uses the constitutive relationships proposed by Fredlund and Morgenstern to define the volume change of unsaturated soils, and relates the settlement rate to the average degree of consolidation for both the water and air phases. A series of examples is shown to demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of the derived equation. Key words: one-dimensional consolidation, unsaturated soil, degree of consolidation, rate of settlement.