The selection of the coefficient of subgrade reaction k for the design of rafts, beams, and rigid pavements is not satisfactory because of the wide range of values recommended in the literature for each soil type and density. the results of recently conducted field footing tests at seven sites in kuwait are analyzed for the purpose ofrelating the vertical subgrade coefficient k to the standard penetration test values for desert sands. the footings were square plain concrete, cast directly on the ground surface and range in size from 0.25 m to 1 m. several variables were investigated including footingsize, soil properties, footing depth, and material. a simple relationship was found between k and the standard penetration test values that takes into account the effect of the footing size or the width of the loaded area. test results are compared with other plate load tests on granular soils in different areas around the world, to establish confidence in the derived correlation and to explain the causes of variation in different granular deposits. this paper appeared in transportation research record no. 1137, soil mechanics considerations in arid and semiarid areas. for covering abstract see irrd no 817740.
Abstract