Bearing Capacity of Soil

We knew that the main function of the foundation is to transmit the load to the soil from structure either building, bridges, dam, etc.,

So the foundation depth of the structure needs to be designed in such a way that neither the soil does not fail nor settle due to the load carried over it.

To achieve the required depth and strong foundation, we need to study the soil where the construction is going to take place. So in this post, we are going to discuss the bearing capacity of soil

What is the bearing capacity of Soil?

The maximum capacity of the soil that supports the structural load without any shear failure or settlement is called the bearing capacity of the soil. It is calculated in load per unit area.

Factors affecting bearing capacity

When soil is imposed by loads such as buildings, bridges, etc, it tends to deform or settle. It greatly depends on the soil properties such as

• Density of soil
• Water Content
• The angle of internal friction
• Shear strength
• Permeability

Methods of Determining Bearing Capacity of Soil

• Presumptive Analysis
• Analytical Methods
• Plate Bearing Test
• Standard Penetration Test
• Modern Testing Methods
• Centrifuge Test

Bearing Capacity Of Different Types Of Soil

#	SOIL TYPE	CAPACITY kN/m²
1	Loose Gravel	98
2	Fine Sand, Loose & Dry	98
3	Moist Clay	147
4	Medium Clay	245
5	Fine Sand & Silt	245
6	Soft Rock	441
7	Gravel Sand	441
8	Coarse Sand, Compact & Dry	441
9	Coarse Sand, Compact & Dry	441
10	Hard Clay	451
11	Residual deposits of Shatters & broken bedrock	883
12	Sand Stone, Lime Stone	1618
13	Hard rock – Granite,Dionite	3236

Happy Learning 🙂