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K Value

The subgrade is the foundation layer underneath a concrete slab, modeled as springs supporting the slab. Its strength is measured by the modulus of subgrade reaction (k-value), defined as the pressure per unit deflection. K-values are determined from plate load tests using a 750mm diameter plate pressed 1.25mm into the soil. Smaller plates can be used but the results must be converted to a 750mm value using an equation. The subgrade strength is affected by moisture content, so CBR tests are also conducted to allow correcting the k-value to its weakest moisture condition.

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240 views

K Value

The subgrade is the foundation layer underneath a concrete slab, modeled as springs supporting the slab. Its strength is measured by the modulus of subgrade reaction (k-value), defined as the pressure per unit deflection. K-values are determined from plate load tests using a 750mm diameter plate pressed 1.25mm into the soil. Smaller plates can be used but the results must be converted to a 750mm value using an equation. The subgrade strength is affected by moisture content, so CBR tests are also conducted to allow correcting the k-value to its weakest moisture condition.

Uploaded by

VASANTH
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Sub grade

The Subgrade is usually considered as a Winkler foundation also known as dense


Iiquid foundation. In Winkler model, it is assumed that the foundation is made up of springs
Supporting the concrete slab. The strength of subgrade is expressed in terms of modulus of
subgrade reaction, k which is defined as the pressure per unit deflection of the foundation
as deflection by plate load tests. The k - value is determined from the pressure sustained at
a deflection of 1.25mm. As K – Value is influenced by test plate diameter , the standard test
is to be carried out with a 750mm diameter plate. IS:9214, “ Method of determination of
modulus of subgrade Reaction of soil in the Field” may be referred to for guidance in this
regard. A frequency of one test per km per lane is recommended for assessment of K-value.
If the foundation changes with respect to subgrade soil, type of subbase or the nature of
formation (i.e. cut or fill) then additional tests may be conducted.

Though 750mm is the standard plate diameter, smaller diameter plate can be used
in case of homogeneous foundation from practical consideration and the test values
obtained with plates of smaller diameter may be converted to the standard 750mm plate
value using equation 2

K750= kø(1.21ø+0.078) ………………..(2)

Where,

Ø = Plate diameter in meter

K = Modulus of subgrade reaction (MPa/m) with plate diameter Ø meter

K750 = Modulus of subgrade reaction (MPa/m) with plate diameter of 750mm (k)

The estimate obtatined from Equation 2 is regarded as approximate only. However,


In case of layered construction, the tests conducted with smaller plates give greater weight
age to the stronger top layer, and direct conversion to 750mm plate values using Equation 2
results in somewhat over-estimation of the foundation strength.

The subgrade soil strength and consequently the strength of the foundation as a
whole, is affected by its moisture contents. Since it is not convenient to determine the k-
value in the field at different moisture contents and densities, CBR tests may be carried out
at field moisture content and field density both in soaked and un-soaked condition and the
measured k – value from plate load test may be corrected in the ratio of CBR values under
soaked and un-soaked conditions to obtain the k-value corresponding to the weakest
condition of k-value is often estimated from soaked CBR Value. The relationship between
the CBR and k-value illustrated in Table 2 can be used for this purpose.

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