A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y

B


bearing pressure (q)
bedrock
boulders
British Soil Classification System
bulk density (r)
bulk modulus (K')
bulk unit weight (g)

bearing pressure (q)

The total stress transferred from the underside of a foundation to the soil below. Units: kPa

bedrock

Rock underlying surface deposits of soil and weathered or broken rock; usually material which is so stiff and strong that it is easily able to carry foundation loads.

boulders

Soil grains over 200mm in size.

British Soil Classification System

A system of classification based on size, consistency and structure, set out in BS 5930:1981 Site Investigation.

bulk density (r)

The total mass of soil particles and water contained in a unit volume of soil. Units: Mg/m³
r = (Ms + Mw) / V
where
Ms = mass of soil grains
Mw = mass of water
V = total volume.

bulk modulus (K')

The ratio of a change in applied mean normal effective stress to the resulting change in volumetric strain. Units: kPa

bulk unit weight (g)

The total weight of soil grains and water in a unit volume of soil. Units: kN/m³