In a settlement analysis, what does the term 'surcharge' refer to?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
In a settlement analysis, what does the term 'surcharge' refer to?
The weight of the soil above the water table
An additional load applied to the soil surface
The weight of the foundation
The weight of the soil below the water table
Surcharge refers to an additional load applied to the soil surface, which can increase the effective stress and lead to consolidation settlement.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: In a settlement analysis, what does the term 'surcharge' refer to?
Solution: Surcharge refers to an additional load applied to the soil surface, which can increase the effective stress and lead to consolidation settlement.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Understand that 'surcharge' is a term used in settlement analysis.
Step 2: Recognize that surcharge means adding extra weight or load on top of the soil.
Step 3: Know that this extra load increases the pressure on the soil.
Step 4: Realize that when the pressure increases, it can cause the soil to compress or settle.
Step 5: Understand that this process of soil compression is called consolidation settlement.
