What is Soil load? Explain in details different types of Soil load with examples. How to calculate Soil load?

Soil load refers to the pressure exerted by the soil on a structure’s foundation. Soil load is an important consideration in the design of structures, as it can cause significant stress on the foundation and affect the overall stability of the structure. Soil load is calculated based on the characteristics of the soil, the size and shape of the foundation, and the weight of the structure.

Different types of soil load with examples are:

1. Vertical load: This is the weight of the structure and any applied loads that are transmitted through the foundation to the soil. Vertical load is calculated based on the weight of the structure and the applied loads, and the area of the foundation.
2. Lateral load: This is the pressure exerted on the foundation due to the horizontal forces acting on the structure, such as wind or earthquake forces. Lateral load is calculated based on the horizontal force acting on the structure and the area of the foundation.
3. Uplift load: This is the pressure exerted on the foundation due to the tendency of the soil to lift the foundation upward. Uplift load is calculated based on the soil properties, the size and shape of the foundation, and the weight of the structure.
4. Settlement load: This is the pressure exerted on the foundation due to the settling or sinking of the soil beneath the foundation. Settlement load is calculated based on the characteristics of the soil and the weight of the structure.

To calculate soil load, various factors such as the characteristics of the soil, the size and shape of the foundation, and the weight of the structure must be considered. Soil load calculations typically involve soil testing to determine the soil properties, and engineering calculations to determine the loads that the foundation can safely bear. Building codes and standards provide guidelines for calculating soil load based on the type of structure and its location. Engineers may also conduct computer simulations and tests to verify the safety and performance of the foundation under different soil load scenarios.