Modeling and simulation of heterogeneous moisture content influence on foundation settlement in silt clay

Abstract

In this paper, modeling and simulation techniques with experimental setup values were used to investigate the effects of foundation settlement on the heterogeneity of moisture content, formation characteristics, and ground water. The study was conducted at Obirikom in Rivers State's Ogba Egbema Local Government Area; the samples were subjected to the following laboratory tests: particle size analysis, Atterberg limit tests, compaction test, natural moisture content test, specific gravity, and consolidation test, which revealed that the soil was predominantly clay deposited. Modeling and simulation were used to predict how different soil conditions affected the settlement of a foundation. The study observed heterogeneous soil deposition as it reflected on soil properties, and the study on foundation settlement influence explained the heterogeneous impacts on moisture. Permeability, plastic and liquid limits, as well as other soil properties such as moisture content, water content, and dry density, was investigated. Significant parameters were observed in the study, such as dry density, which is directly proportional to plasticity as settlement increases in moisture until optimum moisture content is observed at the level where settlement decreases to a minimum. The moisture content of the settlement increased while exceeding the optimum moisture content.