Verma et al, International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Studies

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Research Paper

PREDICTION OF BEARING CAPACITY OF GRANULAR

LAYERED SOILS BY PLATE LOAD TEST
Sanjeev Kumar Verma1, Pradeep Kumar Jain2, Rakesh Kumar3

Address for Correspondence

Technical Expert, DMI, Bhopal, Housing & Environment Deptt. of (M.P.)

2
Assistant Professor, 3 Lecturer, Dept. of Civil Engineering, M.A.N.I.T., Bhopal- (M.P.)
ABSTRACT:
Bearing capacity and settlement are two main criteria for designing the foundation of a structure. Several theories and
experimental methods have been propounded by many researchers for computing the bearing capacity and settlement
parameters separately. Traditional bearing capacity theories for determining the ultimate bearing capacity of shallow
foundations assume that the bearing stratum is homogenous and infinite. However this is not true in all cases. Layered soils
are mostly encountered in practice. It is possible to encounter a rigid layer at shallow depth or the soil may be layered and
have different shear strength parameters. In such cases shear pattern gets distorted and bearing capacity becomes dependent
on the extent of the rupture surface in weaker or stronger material. The best estimation of bearing capacity and settlement on
layered soil are possible only, if the pressure-settlement characteristics of the foundation-soil are known for the size of the
footing.
From the review of literature, it may be noted that the bearing capacity equations proposed for the homogenous soils by
Terzaghi (1943) and Meyerhof (1951) are not applicable to layered soils. Hence it is necessary to develop an equation for
predicting the bearing capacity of granular layered soils. In present investigation, plate load test have been conducted in a
large tank to observe the load settlement behavior of plates of different sizes resting on layered granular soils. Tests were
conducted on two layers of soils. Fine gravel layer overlain sand layer were tested using mild steel plates of square shapes.
The effect of the placement of layers on the bearing capacity, settlement characteristics of footing, has been studied and an
equation for predicting the bearing capacity of two layered granular soils is developed based on the plate load test data.

INTRODUCTION
One of the important geotechnical structures is the
foundation which transfers the load coming from the
superstructure to underlying soil subgrade without
shear. Traditional bearing capacity theories for
determining the ultimate load carrying capacity of
shallow foundations assume that the thickness of the
bearing stratum is homogenous and infinite.
However, this is not true in all cases. It is possible to
encounter a rigid layer at shallow depth or the soil
may be layered and have different shear strength
parameters (Bowles, 1988). The best estimation of
bearing capacity and settlement on layered soil are
possible
only,
if
the
pressure-settlement
characteristics of the foundation-soil are known for
the size of the footing.
The problem of estimating the ultimate bearing
capacity becomes complicated if the scale effect is
taken into consideration. The study on scale effect
shows that the ultimate bearing capacity decreases
with the increase in the size of the foundation. This
condition is more predominant in granular soils.
In general, Ultimate bearing capacity is governed by
settlement consideration rather than shear
consideration. The bearing capacity increases as the
width of footing is increased resulting in an increase
in margin of safety against shear failure for a given
intensity of loading. However, the increase in width
increases the settlement for a given intensity of
loading, thus reducing the margin of safety with
respect to tolerable settlement. Therefore a reliable
estimation of Ultimate bearing capacity for design of
footing is necessary.
Naturally occurring soils are often deposited in
layers. Within each layer the soil may, typically, be
assumed to be homogeneous, although the strength
properties of adjacent layers are generally quite
different. If a foundation is placed on the surface of a
layered soil for which the thickness of the top layer is
large compared with the width of the foundation, then
realistic estimates of the bearing capacity may be
obtained using conventional bearing capacity theory.
however, this approach may not be appropriate, If the
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thickness of the top layer is not large compared to

width of the footing.
In present investigation attempt has been made to
study the bearing capacity and settlement
characteristics of footings subjected to central
vertical load and resting on layered soil with the help
of model tests, because in case of layer soil plate load
test, the layer thickness is 2B or more, the effect of
both layer will not be effected, However in case of
actual large size footing the effect of lower layer will
exist, Hence safe bearing capacity change. The tank
size was 2000mm x 2000mm x1500mm (Length x
Width x Depth). The depth below the base of the
footing up to which the gravel is used is called as top
layer thickness, and it thickness was varied as, 0.5B,
1.0B, 1.5B, and 2.0B, where B is the width of the
plate. A total of 18 tests were conducted. For each
test, load versus settlement curves were plotted and
with the help of load-settlement curves, the ultimate
bearing capacity of soil is determined.
Objective of the study
To develop an equation for predicting ultimate
bearing capacity of two layered soils based on the test
data.
Literature Review
For strip or circular footing on two-layered soils, the
bearing capacity usually depends on the ratio of
thickness of the top layer to the footing width or
diameter, i.e., H/B. The literature dealing with
bearing capacity of footing is quite extensive.
Methods for calculating the bearing capacity of
multi-layer soils range from averaging the strength
parameters (Bowles, 1988), using limit equilibrium
considerations (Meyerhof, 1974), to a more rigorous
limit analysis approach (Michalowski and Shi, 1995).
Semi empirical approaches have also been proposed
based on experimental studies (Brown and Meyerhof,
1967; Meyerhof and Hanna, 1978; Pokrovskys,
1937; Buttons Analysis, 1953). The Finite Element
Method, which can handle very complex layered
patterns, has also been applied to this problem. (Burn
and Frydman, 1997).

Verma et al, International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Studies

For layered soils, an approximate method was

suggested by Pokrovsky (1937) for a line load in case
of the upper layer is more rigid than the lower layer.
Button (1953) found that in layered cohesive soils the
bearing capacity factor Nc value varies with the ratio
of cohesions as well as the depth of the top layer with
reference to the width of the footing.
An analysis was developed by Meyerhof and Hanna
(1978) for a foundation is supported by a weaker soil
layer underlain by a stronger soil at a shallow depth
and proposed a semi empirical relationship as below:

Pokrovskys (1937) an approximate method was

suggested in 1937 by Pokrovsky for a line load if the
upper layer is more rigid than the lower layer. An
equivalent depth h for the top layer in terms of
properties of these two layers is given by:

h = t (E1 2 / E 2 1)

h>t

Where,
E1 and E 2 = Modulus of elasticity of top and bottom
layer respectively (E1>E2)
1 and 2 = Bulk density of top and bottom layer
respectively
The stresses in the lower layer (at M) are calculated
assuming a depth z2.
For a point Q in upper layer, a virtual distance z1 is
used for determination of stresses with load at the
imaginary G.L.
Brown and Meyerhof (1969) investigated the
ultimate bearing capacity of foundations resting on
clay subsoils for the cases of a stiff layer overlying a
soft layer, and the soft layer overlying a stiff layer.
The studies have been based on modal tests using
circular and strip footings, and using a range of layer
thicknesses and clay strengths. The results of the
investigation are summarized in the charts. This may
be used in evaluating the bearing capacity of layered
clay foundations.
The problems contain many variables, and the
limitation of the study may be seen from the
following points, which set forth the scope of the
experimental work.
All studies were carried out in terms of
undrained shear strength of the clay, using total
stress analyses.
Studies were confined to surface loadings, using
rigid strip and circular footing with rough bases.
Only one type of clay was used. Therefore,
although the strength of the clay was varied, the
deformation properties remained constant.
Meyerhof (1974) the ultimate bearing capacity of
footing resting on subsoils consisting of two layers
has been investigated for the cases of dense sand on
soft clay and loose sand on stiff clay. The analyses of
different modes of soil failure are compared with the
result of model tests on circular and strip footing and
some field observations of foundation failures.
The ultimate bearing capacity of footing on sand
layers overlying clay can be expressed by punching
shear coefficients for the case of dense sand on soft
clay and by modified bearing capacity coefficients or
an empirical interaction relationship for the case of
loose sand on stiff clay. If the shearing resistance of
the sand layer approaches that of the clay, the bearing
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capacity does not vary significantly from that of the

individual strata.
Theory and test results show that the influence of the
sand layer thickness beneath the footing depends
mainly on the bearing capacity ratio of the clay to the
sand, the friction angle of the sand, the shape and
depth of the foundation.
Meyerhof and Hanna (1978) the ultimate bearing
capacity of footing resting on subsoils consisting of
two layers has been investigated for the cases of a
dense or stiff layer overlying a weak deposit, and a
loose or soft layer overlying a firm deposit. The
analyses of different models of soil failure are
compared with the results of model tests on circular
and strip footing on layered sand and clay soils.
Theory and test results show that the influence of the
upper soil layer thickness beneath the footing
depends mainly on the shear strength parameters and
bearing capacity ratio of the layers, the shape and
depth of the foundation, and the inclination of the
load.
Hanna (1980) the ultimate bearing capacity of
footing resting on subsoil consisting of a weak sand
layer overlaying a strong deposit has been
investigated. Based on model tests of strip and
circular footing in a loose or compact sand layer
overlaying a dense sand deposit, the classical
equation of bearing capacity of footing on
homogeneous sand was extended to cover cases of
these footing in layered sands where the upper layer
is the weaker. The theory compared well with
available model test result. Design chart are
presented.
Georgiadis (1985) a new numerical method for
evaluating the bearing capacity of shallow foundation
on layered soil which may contain any combination
of cohesive and cohesionless layers is presented.
Several potential failure surfaces are analyzed and the
minimum material factor for which the foundation is
stable is determined. Comparison between the results
obtained with the new method, a number of semiempirical solutions for uniform and two-layer
systems, experiments and other numerical method
including finite elements, provide a valuable
assessment of the performance of the various
methods used and demonstrate the validity of the new
method.
Bowles (1988) A practicable solution which gives
reasonable safety is as follows
1. Consider the different layers of soil with in
effective shear depth which is approximately
equal to 0.5 B tan (45+/2). If the thickness
of the first layer below the base of the
footing is more than the significant shear
depth, analysis of single layer holds good.
2. Average values of c and are obtained as
c h + c h +..........cn hn
cav = 1 1 2 2
hi
h tan 1 + h2 tan 2 + ..........hn tan n
av = tan 1 1
hi
Determine the bearing capacity of the footing
considering the single layer with average shear
strength parameter cav and av.
Madhav and Sharma (1991): The bearing capacity
of a footing resting on stiff upper layer overlaying
soft clay is examined. The stiff layer distributes the

Verma et al, International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Studies

applied uniform stress on to the soft soil over a much

larger width. The loading on the soil clay is
considered to be uniform (qu) over a width, B and to
decrease linearly or exponentially with distance. The
bearing capacity of a footing with variable surcharge
is evaluated and shown to increase by about 20-30%
in case the surcharge stress extends to a distance of
5B corresponding to Es (the ratio of moduli of
Ec

upper and lower layers) of 100. A similar increase is

obtained in the case of triangular loading as well.
Michalowski and shi (1995) the bearing capacity of
strip footing over a two layer foundation soil is
considered. The kinematics approach of limit analysis
is used to calculate the average limit pressure under
footing. The method is applicable to any combination
of parameters of the two layers, but the results are
presented only for a specific case when a footing
placed on a layer of a granular soil resting on clay.
The depth of a collapse mechanism is found to be
very much dependant on the strength of the clay.
Very weak clay can attract the mechanism even at
great depths. The results are presented as limit
pressures rather than traditional bearing capacity
coefficients. The later are strongly dependant not
only on the internal friction angle of the sand, but
also on the thickness of the sand layer, cohesion of
the clay, and surcharge pressure. Results are
presented in the form of dimensionless charts for
different internal friction angle of sand. It was found
that linear interpolation within 5 increments is
acceptable in the range of from 30 to 45.
Burd and Frydman (1997) a study has been carried
out of the bearing capacity of sand layers overlaying
clay soil of the case where the thickness of the sand
layer is comparable to the width of a rigid foundation
placed on the soil surface. A discussion is presented
of the dimensionless group that governs the behavior
of this type of foundation. A parametric study is
carried out using both finite element difference
methods. This study based on the use of soil
parameter obtained from an assessment of the range
of values that might be expected to be appropriate for
full-scale structure. The results of the parametric
study are used illustrate the mechanic of the system
and also to develop charts that may be used directly
in design. In particular, the results illustrate that the
shear strength of the clay has an important influence
on the mechanisms of load spread with in the fill.
Several experimental studies have also been done by
many researchers for computing the Bearing capacity
and load settlement behavior of layered soils. The
effect of size of foundation on bearing capacity of
granular material were investigated by Cerato and
Lutenegger (2007) to evaluate the trend of decreasing
bearing capacity factor, N, with increasing footing
width, B. Load Testing and Settlement Prediction of
Shallow Foundation study was done by Anderson et
al. (2007). The purpose of this study was to critically
examine insitu test methods as a means for predicting
settlement of shallow foundations. The results of the
static load test showed that the actual settlements
were less than that predicted by all methods. Bearing
Capacity of Square and Circular Footings on a Finite
Layer of Granular Soil Underlain by a Rigid Base has
been studied by Cerato et al. (2006) through a model
test. Results of the model scale footing tests show
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that the bearing capacity factor, NY, should be

modified up to H/B=3, instead of H/B=1. The footing
shape factor, SY, should account for both shape and
finite layering.
From the above theories it may be noted that there is
decrease in the ultimate bearing capacity when the
foundation is resting on to layered soil and scale
effects need to be considered on bearing capacity of
shallow foundation.
However, these theories needs to be verified
experimentally for layered granular soils and based
on the test results new equations accounting for the
effect of size of the footing and the properties of
layers needs to be developed, if required.
From above review, it is found that most of the
investigators have found that on increasing the width
of test plate, the ultimate bearing capacity increases
(in case of clay) but at a decreasing rate as the size
increases. Most of the investigators have found that
the observed values of ultimate bearing capacity are
much greater than those calculated from Terzaghi
equation.
Properties of soils used in plate load tests
The sand used in this investigation was dry, Narmada
sand and particle size 75 to 4.75 mm. The fine
gravel is used in this investigation was dry, geera gitti
and particle size 2.25mm to 10 mm.
Table: 1 Properties of soils used in Plate Load Tests

Plate Load Test Programme

In present investigation plate load test has been
conducted in a large test tank to observe the load
settlement behaviour of plates of different sizes
resting on layered granular soils. Tests were
conducted on two layers of soils. Fine gravel layer
overlain sand layer were tested using mild steel plates
of square shapes. The effect of the thickness of the
top layer on the bearing capacity and settlement
characteristics of footing has been studied.
The large test tank (shown in Photo 1) is having
inside dimensions of 2.0 m X 2.0 m in plan and 1.50
m in depth. The tank was made from steel plates and
was supported directly on steel angle sections of size
50mm x 50mm. The tank was strengthened by cast
iron angles and plates at the corners, top, and bottom
of the tank. The entire tank rested on the solid
concrete base. A cross beam was fixed on vertical
posts to support the loading device. The horizontal

Verma et al, International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Studies

cross beam (Channel section) was thus placed across

the middle of the tank. An overall view of the test
arrangement is illustrated in Photo 2.
To prepare the test bed, the sand or gravel was
allowed to fall freely for a height of one metre with
the help of strainer. When the soil layer becomes
approximate 10 cm the strainer is lifted the same
height above. The strainer (sieve) is lifted slowly
such that free fall is approximately one meter. For
each layer the required amount of sand or gravel to
produce a desired bulk density was weighted out and
placed in the test tank. When sand or gravel is filled
up to the desired height, the sand or gravel was then
gently leveled out. Each layer maintains a constant
height of one meter, so as to achieve a uniform
density in all the test beds.

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Photo:1 Large Steel Test Tank

Photo:2 Plate Load Test Arrangement

Total eighteen numbers of tests were performed.

While three tests were performed on homogenous
sand and three tests were performed on homogenous
Gravel. Twelve tests were performed with layered
soils. The details of tests carried out are listed in
Table 2.
The plate is placed at the proposed level of the
foundation and is subjected to incremental loading.
At each increment of loading settlement is measured
and a load settlement curve is plotted. The ultimate
bearing capacity and the settlement of the foundation
can be determined with the help of load settlement
curve for test plate.

Table: 2 Details of Plate Load Tests Performed

Plate Load Test Results

Three tests were conducted on homogenous sand
with square test plates of size 250 mm, 300 mm and
400 mm. The thickness of all size square plate is 25
mm. Load-settlement curves are plotted for each size
of test plates on natural scale as well as on log-log
scale. For comparision load-settlement graph for all
plate size are plotted in a graph as shown in Fig.1.
The ultimate bearing capacities of the square test
plates are calculated by both intersection tangent
method and log-log method.

for each size of test plates on natural scale as well as

on log-log scale. For comparision load-settlement
graph for all plate size are plotted in a graph as
shown in Fig.2. The ultimate bearing capacities of the
test plates are calculated by both intersection tangent
method and log-log method.

Fig. :2 Comparative study of Load - Settlement curve

for various size square test plate on homogenous gravel

Fig.:1 Comparative study of Load - Settlement curve

for various size square test plate on homogenous sand

Three tests were conducted on homogenous fine

gravel with square test plates of size 250 mm, 300
mm and 400 mm. The thickness of all size square
plate is 25 mm. Load-settlement curves are plotted
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Twelve tests were conducted on layered soils with

square test plates of size 250 mm, 300 mm and 400
mm and layer thickness L = 0.5 B, L = B, L= 1.5 B
and 2 B (Where L = Thickness of top layer fine
gravel and B = Width of test plate). Load-settlement
curves are plotted for each size of test plates and
thickness of top layer fine gravel on natural scale as
well as on log-log scale. For comparision loadsettlement graph for all plate size in same thickness

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of top layer fine gravel are plotted in a graph as

shown in Fig.3 to Fig 6. The ultimate bearing
capacities of the test plates are calculated by both
intersection tangent method and log-log method.

Fig. 5 Comparative study of Load - Settlement curve for

various size square test plate on Layered soils at top
layer (Fine gravel) L = 1.5 B
Fig. 3 Comparative study of Load - Settlement curve for
various size square test plate on Layered soils at top
layer (Fine gravel) L = 0.5 B

Fig. 6 Comparative study of Load - Settlement curve for

various size square test plate on Layered soils at top
layer (Fine gravel) L = 2 B
Fig. 4 Comparative study of Load - Settlement curve for
various size square test plate on Layered soils at top
layer (Fine gravel) L = B
Table: 3 Ultimate Load obtained from Model Plate Load Tests on Granular layered soils in Kg, as well as Ultimate
Bearing capacities in KN/m2. (Taken qu = load intensity at settlement of 1/5th of size of test plate).

Discussion on Load Settlement Behavior of

Layered Granular Soils
The ultimate bearing capacity (qu) of layered
soil is more than the ultimate
bearing
capacity (qu) of homogenous soil bed of
sand for a particular size of the square test
plates.
The ultimate bearing capacity (qu) of sand is
slightly less than the ultimate bearing
capacity (qu) of layered soil.
The ultimate bearing capacity (qu) of
homogenous fine gravel slightly more than
the ultimate bearing capacity (qu) of layered
soil.
The ultimate bearing capacity (qu) of layered
soil for L = 2 B is slightly equally than the
corresponding value for homogenous Fine
gravel.
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Effect of thickness of top layer soil (Fine gravel)

on Ultimate Bearing Capacity (qu) & settlement
Ultimate bearing capacity (qu) increases
with increase in the thickness of top layer of
fine gravel.
For the same load intensity, settlement is
decreases with increase in the thickness of
top layer soil beds of fine gravel.
Ultimate bearing capacities (qu) remain
constant after the top layer of fine gravel is
exceeding twice of the width of square test
plate on layered soil.
Settlement in 250mm square test plate is
more than the 300mm and 400mm square
test plates for same load intensity.
Effect of size of test plate on Ultimate Bearing
Capacity (qu) & settlement

Verma et al, International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Studies

Ultimate bearing capacity (qu) increases

with the increase in the size of square test
plate.
For the same settlement, load increases with
the increase in the size of the square test
plate.
For the same load intensity, settlement
decreases with the increase in the sizes of
square test plate.
Ultimate bearing capacity increases with
increase the top layer thickness of fine
gravel layer, in all size test plates.
Calculation of N For homogenous soils and
layered soils
The value of N is calculated based on the Terzaghis
bearing capacity equation and assume that the
equation is valid for homogenous soil as well as
layered soils.

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The Terzaghis equation for calculating the ultimate

bearing capacity of square footing is given as:qult = CNc + D Nq + 0.4 B N ..1
Where,
= Ultimate bearing capacity
qult
C
= Cohesion
D
= Depth of footing
B
= Width of footing

= Dry Density of soil

Nc, Nq, N were the Terzaghis bearing capacity
factors.
In case of cohesionless soil, C = 0, and also depth of
footing, D = 0, hence equation (1) is written as,
= 0.4 B N
2
qult
In the above equation (2), the value of B, , and qult
are known, only the value of N was unknown. The
values of N for homogenous sand as well as layered
soils are calculated and given in Table 4.

Table: 4 The value of N for various sizes of square test plates on homogenous soils as well as Layered soils.

Calculation of angle of shearing resistance ()

A lot of theories are available for calculating the
bearing capacity factors Nc, Nq, and N. In the
present investigation Vesics bearing capacity theory
are considered for calculating the angle of shearing
resistance (). The calculation is based on the

interpolation of N value of different angle of

shearing resistance.
Angle of shearing resistance (), corresponding to N
value of homogenous soils as well as layered soils are
calculated and given in Table 5.

Table: 5 Angle of shearing resistance () corresponding to N value of homogenous soils as well as layered soils.

Effective Depth factor (X) of Layered soils by

applied vertical load
Effective depth factor (X) is the important
consideration in any load testing. It gives the idea to
safe design and construction of any civil engineering
projects. Hence it is necessary to calculate the
effective depth factor (X) of layered soils.
In the case of layered soils, the ultimate bearing
capacity in the combination of the layers affected by
the load, an effective depth factor (X) is introduced.

It is defined as the multiplication factor which,

when multiplying with the width of test plates give
the total thickness of soils affected by the applied
load.
In present investigation, Effective depth factor (X) of
layered soils is determined by the following equation:
(qLayered) = (qfine gravel) at top layer + (qsand ) at bottom layer
(qLayered) = Thickness of top layer (fine
gravel)/(XB) x0.4x(Layered)B(N) fine gravel
+ XB 0.5B x 0.4 x(sand)B(N)sand
.3
XB

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Where,
X = Effected depth factor
B = Width of square test plate
In equation (3), it is assume that the Ultimate bearing
capacity of layered soils is equal to the sum of the
bearing capacities of fine gravel at top layer and

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bearing capacity of sand at bottom layer. It is also

assumed that the total effected depth of layered soils
is XB, during applying the vertical load. The X is
multiplying with the width of test plate to find out the
total thickness of layered soils is affected by vertical
load.

Table: 6 Effective depth factor (X) and the total depth affected of layered soils during applied vertical load

Determination of the general equation for effected

depth in layered soils.
Based on the Table 6, the graph is plotted between
Effective depth factors (X) versus Thickness of top
layer/Width of square test plate or (T/B) (Shown in
Fig. 7).
The effected depth of layered soils are given by the
equation,
Defl = 0.73 RT/B + 0.64 for 0.5 < T/B < 2.0
Where,
Defl
= Effected depth of layered soils
RT/B = Thickness of top layer/Width of square test
plate (T/B)
If the top layer thickness (fine gravel) of layered soils
and size of test plate is known, then with the help of
above equation, the effected depth of layered soils by
applied vertical load is easily calculated.

Fig.: 7 Curve are plotted between Effective depth factor

(X) and Thickness of top layer/Width of square test
plate or (T/B) of Layered soils.

CONCLUSIONS
In case of layered soils, for the same thickness
and type of soils in top layer (fine gravel) and
bottom layer (sand), the ultimate bearing
capacity increases with the increase of size of
square test plates and settlement decreases with
increases the size of the square test plate.
In case of layered soils in which the top layer is
courser (fine gravel) than the bottom layer
(sand), the ultimate bearing capacity increases
with the increase of the thickness of top layer
(fine gravel) and settlement decreases in all
cases.
The ultimate bearing capacity (qu) of layered
soil for L = 2 B is slightly equally than the
corresponding value for homogenous Fine
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gravel and Ultimate bearing capacities (qu)

remain constant after the top layer of fine gravel
is exceeding twice of the width of square test
plate on layered soil.
In case of homogenous sand and fine gravel, the
value of N obtained from the Terzaghis theory
find results of the plate load test, decreases with
increases the size of square test plates.
In case of layered soils, the value of N obtained
from the Terzaghis theory find results of the
plate load test, increases with increases the
thickness of top layer (fine gravel).
The value of angle of shearing resistance ()
for homogenous sand and homogenous fine
gravel, calculated indirectly from plate load test
results and Vesics theory is more than the
value calculated in laboratory by box shear test.
In the case of layered soils, the ultimate bearing
capacity in the combination of the layers
affected by the load, an effective depth factor
(X) is introduced. It is defined as the
multiplication factor which, when multiplying
with the width of test plates give the total
thickness of soils affected by the applied load.
Effected depth factor (X) is not constant in
layered soil. Its value depends on the thickness
of top layer and width of test plates. Its value
varies from 1.000 to 2.213. Its value increases
with increase the thickness of top layer (fine
gravel).
The effected depth of layered soils are given by
the equation,
Defl = 0.73 RT/B + 0.64 for 0.5 < T/B < 2.0
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