The use of flexible flaps in improving the settlement resistent behaviour of raft foundations J.

Abstract

Abstract: Today shallow foundation construction in soft soils faces many problems due to low bearing capacity of soft soil. Although deep foundations can be used as an alternative, considering the costs and the time involved, the approach is proven to be uneconomical. This has led many researchers to design innovative shallow foundation systems for construction on soft soils, with adequate bearing capacity, while minimizing the settlement. Two such foundations are the “Cakar Ayam foundation” and “Akar foundation”, which are currently used in construction industry in countries like Malaysia. Two vertical flexible flaps attached to the underneath of a raft were used as a modified foundation model in this project to see it the foundation is capable of reducing the settlement when built on soft soil. The physical models of the modified foundation were built by varying the flap length and tested under different loads. Further, the models were analysed using finite element package, PLAXIS. The results obtained from physical modelling and finite element analysis showed that the foundation can be used to reduce excessive settlement on soft soil. The settlement reduces with the increase of flap length. Finally, the results verified that the modified foundation can be used as a temporary foundation to build a working platform for construction vehicles to pass through the working site.