Oedometric settlements

Oedometric settlements – Schmertmann

LoadCap performs the computation of settlements utilizing two approaches: oedometric and Schmertmann.

The program automatically selects the first approach when the user enters the oedometric modulus of the layers ("Soil stratigraphy" menu) and, for secondary settlement computation, the index of secondary compression (Cs).

The second approach is selected when the above data is absent but the Elasticity modulus ("Soil stratigraphy" menu) is given in the same window.

When the results are displayed is shown the plan view of the foundation, a red dotted line highlights - the center line and the application point of the load (red point). Keep left click pressed while moving on the influence area to see total settlement. The value of the settlement is also shown in the blue line of the active table.

The total settlement over time and the percentage of the settlement at t days after the application of the load is shown, layer by layer, in the table.

Observation

For a correct assessment of the settlement, the compressible layers must have a reduced thickness (<2.00 m), therefore, if there are soils with higher thickness is preferable that the user performs a subdivision of those layers in smaller layers, keeping the geotechnical characteristics of the origin layer and changing only the number of layers and their thickness.