Pre-loading is necessary because if a structure is built on uncompacted soil or rock, the weight of the structure can cause the soil or rock to settle unevenly over time, leading to damage or collapse of the structure. Pre-loading helps to ensure that the soil or rock is properly compacted and consolidated before construction begins, so that settlement is minimized and the structure remains stable over time.
The duration and load of pre-loading depend on several factors, including the type and thickness of the soil or rock layer, the weight and size of the structure, and the expected loads on the structure during its lifetime.
The duration and load of pre-loading are typically determined through a combination of laboratory testing, computer modeling, and field observations.
In general, the duration of pre-loading can range from a few weeks to several months or even years, depending on the soil or rock conditions and the load of the structure. The load of pre-loading is typically based on a percentage of the expected total load of the structure, and may be increased or decreased depending on the soil or rock conditions and the desired level of consolidation.
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