Evaluation of settlement of shallow foundations laid on unsaturated soils

The study presents an experimental and numerical on unsaturated, non-plastic poorly graded sand, originated from Fortaleza-CE, Brazil. analyses used the Finite Element Method (FEM), were performed using UNSTRUCT software to simulate curve stress versus strain, considering effect of suction soil stiffness. Characterization determination retention through filter paper tests, which determine strain in a double-oedometer test. Suction was considered constant along entire From done with presented satisfactory results, especially presence profiles, that show variation depth. It can be concluded higher values (and stiffness) generate lower settlements.