Experiment A3: Soil Mechanics
Introduction
The other lab sessions in the integrated coursework series involve studying the response of the structure while it is fixed to a solid base. However, the foundations and the properties of the underlying soil are important considerations for any building, and can influence both the static and dynamic behaviour of a structure. This experiment looks at the behaviour of the model structure on a sand base, and examines how the one-dimensional stiffness of similar soil samples is characterised in an oedometer.
Topics Covered
- Soil Composition
- One-dimensional stiffness
- Soil damping
- Demonstration of liquefaction
Experiment
There are two parts to this experiment, which is carried out in groups of three. Half of the experiment is to measure the response of the model building when it is on a sand base, and compare this to its response on a solid base. This is done by using the shaking tables (in the hydraulics lab) to shake the whole system of soil and structure.
Further reading
Further study of soil behaviour is possible in the third year modules 3D1 and 3D2; some suggested books covering principles in soil mechanics are listed below; others can be found on the reading list for these modules.
| CUED shelfmark | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ATKINSON, J.H. | AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MECHANICS OF SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS, THROUGH CRITICAL STATE SOIL MECHANICS | McGraw Hill 1993 | GA 290 |
| BOLTON, M.D. | A GUIDE TO SOIL MECHANICS | Macmillan 1980 | GA 214 |
| POWRIE, W. | SOIL MECHANICS: CONCEPTS AND APPLICATIONS | Spon 2nd edition 2004 Available as an e-book here. (Click on 'Connect to MyiLibrary resource' for access.) | GA 328 |
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Last updated 12/10/2012 by hrs@eng