Abstract Soft soils provide serious problems in construction projects because of their high compressibility, and poor shear strength, causing excessive settlement, and structural instability. This study, titled Characterization of Soft Soil Properties and Settlement Behavior, examines the characteristics of soft soils while assessing their settlement tendencies using experimental and statistical modeling techniques. Additionally, a regression model was developed to predict settlement based on the investigated characteristics, providing a mathematical basis for analyzing and interpreting soil behavior under various loading conditions.The study used laboratory testing techniques to thoroughly describe soft soil samples that were gathered from predetermined sites. Moisture content (MC), optimal moisture content (OMC), cohesion (C), internal friction angle (∅), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), void ratio (e), and compressibility characteristics were among the important geotechnical parameters that were determined by laboratory experiments. Consolidation tests were utilized to assess settlement characteristics, and principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to determine the main variables influencing soil behavior. A predictive framework for estimating settlement under various soil conditions and load scenarios was made available by regression modeling.The findings showed that the most important variables affecting settlement were moisture content (MC), void ratio (e), and compression index (Cc). The significance of comprehending important soil characteristics in geotechnical analysis was highlighted by the regression analysis, which showed a substantial link between the evaluated parameters and projected settlement. The dominance of particular geotechnical characteristics, such cohesiveness and compactness, in settlement projections was further demonstrated by principal component analysis. The results demonstrate how combining experimental and statistical techniques improves understanding of soft soil performance.This study contributes to knowledge of soft soil behavior and offers practical tools for mitigating settlement risks in engineering projects. The developed regression model and PCA framework provide engineers with reliable and predictive techniques for assessing soft soil properties and designing safe foundations.
Fasugba et al. (Thu,) studied this question.