Assume a rigid strip footing is constructed on a normally consolidated clay layer under a uniformly distributed vertical load. The depth of footing is zero and the water table is a few metres below the surface ground. The average shear strength parameters of the clay layer are:
• At the beginning of loading: fu = 0, cu = 50 kPa
• Long time after loading:, f’ = 25° and c’ = 0 kPa. Will the bearing capacity of this footing change, if the water table rises to the ground surface? Briefly explain. Note: No calculation is required. Assume the ground and the base of footing are horizontal.
The bearing capacity of this footing will decrease due to rise in water table.
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