Question

a) What are the two principle factors influencing the allowable bearing pressure in the design of a specific footing? Are both of these factors equally important? Are both factors likely to be equally relevant for different soils types?

b) The foundation in the Figure As 2 is to support a factory which is to contain some precision machinery. The locations of the rigid footings are given because of an adjacent ramp system for service tunnels. The whole structure, including floor slabs, live and dead loads are to be γ supported on the column, the design load for each column being 1000 KN. The majority of this load will be applied on the installation of the machinery. One item of machinery, and indeed the first to be installed consists of delicate conveyer system which will reach between the columns. It is stated by the manufacturer that this conveyor system will not operate if there is more than 5 (mm) change in level between the ends of the system. Given that the minimum footing size is 2(m) x 2 (m), design the foundation so that the conveyor system experiences continued operation.