Abstract
This study evaluates the bearing capacity and settlement of collapsed Margalla Tower due to 2005 Muzzafarabad Earthquake. The geotechnical investigation was conducted at the site to investigate sub-surface profile and to and to evaluate bearing capacity and settlement analysis by field as well as laboratory tests. The soil sampling (disturbed and undisturbed samples) was done by 21 m borehole at the site. The grain size distribution and the electric resistivity test results showed that the soil beneath the tower was mainly clayey and silty soil. The shear wave velocity based on standard penetration test SPT-N value results showed a range of 175 to 350 m/s. S soil D class was determined as per BCP 2007. The bearing capacity calculated by using laboratory as well as field test results showed a value of 253 kPa and 389 kPa at the raft foundation level. Similarly the settlement evaluation from laboratory as well as in-situ test showed 3.80 and 50 mm respectively and was within permissible limits. The geotechnical investigation reveals that the Margalla Tower was safe against bearing capacity and settlement.
Keyword(s)
Geotechnical Investigation, Margalla Tower, Bearing Capacity, Settlement