Undrained or drained condition

[victor923]

I am designing a river bridge that built on clay. With the information of dead load, live load, traction and braking load provided, which condition of clay (undrained or drained) should I consider in design?

THANKS

 

[fattdad]

both and then see what condition governs design.

f-d

¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

 

[SixDegrees]

Both is always a good idea, but generally for a loading condition the undrained strength will govern, because clays generally gains strength with consolidation. The live loading will be undrained.

 

[irawanfirmansyah]

Unless the clay is highly overconsolidated, undrained strength will govern the bearing capacity of the bridge foundation.