Loading tests on circular and ring plates in very dense cemented sands

The behavior of ring foundations on very dense cemented sands was examined by plate loading tests at a flat site located in Kiefan, Kuwait. The effective soil strength parameters c' and phi' were 31 kPa and 36 degrees, respectively. The tests were carried out at a depth of 0.4 m below ground level on 0.6 m diameter solid and ring plates. The latter had inside to outside radii ratio of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75. The load versus settlement curves for solid and ring plates were compared, with emphasis on the elastic settlement, and on the ultimate bearing capacity. The results indicate smaller settlement at all pressures for ring plates compared with solid plates. However, little or no change in bearing capacity was observed. Tests were also carried out on 0.45 m and 0.3 m diameter solid plates. The purpose being to determine the variation of the settlement ratio with the width ratio for cemented sands.