Bearing Capacity of Shallow

Foundations
Fundamental Assumptions
When a load is applied on a limited portion of
the surface of a soil, the surface settles.
The relation between the settlement and the
average load per unit area may be
represented by a settlement curve.
If the soil is loose or fairly soft the settlement
curve may be similar to C
2
and the bearing
capacity is not always well defined. The
bearing capacity of such soils is commonly
assumed to be equal to the abscissa [qd]
2
of
the point at which the settlement curve
becomes steep and straight.
`
If the soil is fairly dense or stiff, the settlement
curve is similar to curve C
1
The abscissa
[qd]
1
of the vertical tangent to the curve
represents the bearing capacity of the soil.


General shear failure

A continuous slip surface occurs up to ground
level. Soil above failure surface in state of plastic
equilibrium, with heaving on either side.
Failure is sudden and catastrophic and
accompanied by tilting of the footing.
Associated with low compressibility soils e.g.
dense sands or stiff over-consolidated clays.




Local shear failure

Significant compression under footing causes
only a partial development of plastic
equilibrium. Failure surface is not continuous.
Some minor heaving at ground level but no
catastrophic failure.
Occurs in moderately compressible soils
medium dense/compact sands


Punching shear
Slip surfaces almost vertical, large vertical
displacements. No heaving, tilting or
catastrophic failure. Compression increases
the density of the soil, see curve c. Weak,
highly compressible soils loose sands,
partially saturated clays, peats.

Concepts of bearing capacity
Ultimate Bearing Capacity, qult (alternatively
qf, for failure)

Is the intensity of bearing pressure at which
the supporting ground is expected to fail in
shear, i.e. a building will collapse.


Safe bearing capacity, qs

qs = qult /F

Allowable bearing capacity, qa

Is the bearing pressure that will cause
acceptable settlement of the structure, i.e. if
settlement is excessive the safe bearing
capacity value will need to be reduced (by
increasing F until settlement is acceptable).
Settlement may be either long term
consolidation (clays) or immediate (sands and
gravels)