Bearing Capacity Technical Guidance

Bearing capacity of soil is the value of the average contact pressure between the foundation and
the soil which will produce shear failure in the soil. Ultimate bearing capacity is the theoretical
maximum pressure which can be supported without failure. Allowable bearing capacity is what is
used in geotechnical design, and is the ultimate bearing capacity divided by a factor of safety.

Theoretical (Ultimate) and allowable bearing capacity can be assessed for the following:
 Shallow Foundations
o strip footings
o square footings
o circular footings
 Deep foundations
o end bearing
o skin friction
For comprehensive examples of bearing capacity problems see:
 Bearing Capacity Examples

Allowable Bearing Capacity

Qa = Qu Qa = Allowable bearing capacity (kN/m2) or (lb/ft2)

F.S.

Where:

Qu = ultimate bearing capacity (kN/m2) or (lb/ft2) *See below for theory

F.S. = Factor of Safety *See information on factor of safety

Ultimate Bearing Capacity for Shallow Foundations

Terzaghi Ultimate Bearing Capacity Theory

Qu = c Nc +  D Nq + 0.5  B N
= Ultimate bearing capacity equation for shallow strip footings, (kN/m2) (lb/ft2)

Qu = 1.3 c Nc +  D Nq + 0.4  B N
= Ultimate bearing capacity equation for shallow square footings, (kN/m2) (lb/ft2)

Qu = 1.3 c Nc +  D Nq + 0.3  B N
= Ultimate bearing capacity equation for shallow circular footings, (kN/m2) (lb/ft2)

Where:

c = Cohesion of soil (kN/m2) (lb/ft2),

 = effective unit weight of soil (kN/m3) (lb/ft3), *see note below
D = depth of footing (m) (ft),
B = width of footing (m) (ft),
Nc=cot(Nq – 1), *see typical bearing capacity factors
2
Nq=e (3/4-/2)tan / [2 cos2(45+/2)], *see typical bearing capacity factors
N =(1/2) tan(kp /cos  - 1),
2
*see typical bearing capacity factors
e = Napier's constant = 2.718...,
kp = passive pressure coefficient, and
 = angle of internal friction (degrees).
Notes:
Effective unit weight, , is the unit weight of the soil for soils above the water table and capillary
rise. For saturated soils, the effective unit weight is the unit weight of water, w, 9.81 kN/m3 (62.4
lb/ft3), subtracted from the saturated unit weight of soil. Find more information in the foundations
section.

Meyerhof Bearing Capacity Theory Based on Standard Penetration Test Values

Qu = 31.417(NB + ND) (kN/m2) (metric)

Qu = NB + ND (tons/ft2) (standard)
10 10

For footing widths of 1.2 meters (4 feet) or less

Qa = 11,970N (kN/m2) (metric)

Qa = 1.25N (tons/ft2) (standard)

10

For footing widths of 3 meters (10 feet) or more

Qa = 9,576N (kN/m2) (metric)

Qa = N (tons/ft2) (standard)
10

Where:

N = N value derived from Standard Penetration Test (SPT)

D = depth of footing (m) (ft), and
B = width of footing (m) (ft).

Note: All Meyerhof equations are for foundations bearing on clean sands. The first equation is for
ultimate bearing capacity, while the second two are factored within the equation in order to
provide an allowable bearing capacity. Linear interpolation can be performed for footing widths
between 1.2 meters (4 feet) and 3 meters (10 feet). Meyerhof equations are based on limiting total
settlement to 25 cm (1 inch), and differential settlement to 19 cm (3/4 inch).

Ultimate Bearing Capacity for Deep Foundations (Pile)

Qult = Qp + Qf

Where:

Qult = Ultimate bearing capacity of pile, kN (lb)

Qp = Theoretical bearing capacity for tip of foundation, or end bearing, kN (lb)
Qf = Theoretical bearing capacity due to shaft friction, or adhesion between foundation shaft and
soil, kN (lb)

End Bearing (Tip) Capacity of Pile Foundation

Qp = Apqp

Where:

Qp = Theoretical bearing capacity for tip of foundation, or end bearing, kN (lb)

Ap = Effective area of the tip of the pile, m2 (ft2)
For a circular closed end pile or circular plugged pile; Ap = (B/2)2 m2 (ft2)
qp = DNq
= Theoretical unit tip-bearing capacity for cohesionless and silt soils, kN/m2 (lb/ft2)
qp = 9c
= Theoretical unit tip-bearing capacity for cohesive soils, kN/m2 (lb/ft2)
 = effective unit weight of soil, kN/m3 (lb/ft3), *See notes below
D = Effective depth of pile, m (ft), where D < Dc,
Nq = Bearing capacity factor for piles,
c = cohesion of soil, kN/m2 (lb/ft2),
B = diameter of pile, m (ft), and
Dc = critical depth for piles in loose silts or sands m (ft).
Dc = 10B, for loose silts and sands
Dc = 15B, for medium dense silts and sands
Dc = 20B, for dense silts and sands

Skin (Shaft) Friction Capacity of Pile Foundation

Qf = Afqf for one homogeneous layer of soil

Qf = pqfL for multi-layers of soil

Where:

Qf = Theoretical bearing capacity due to shaft friction, or adhesion between foundation shaft and
soil, kN (lb)
Af = pL; Effective surface area of the pile shaft, m2 (ft2)
qf = k tan  = Theoretical unit friction capacity for cohesionless soils, kN/m2 (lb/ft2)
qf = cA + k tan  = Theoretical unit friction capacity for silts, kN/m2 (lb/ft2)
qf = Su = Theoretical unit friction capacity for cohesive soils, kN/m2 (lb/ft2)
p = perimeter of pile cross-section, m (ft)
for a circular pile; p = (B/2)
for a square pile; p = 4B
L = Effective length of pile, m (ft) *See Notes below
 = 1 - 0.1(Suc)2 = adhesion factor, kN/m2 (ksf), where Suc < 48 kN/m2 (1 ksf)
 = 1 [0.9 + 0.3(Suc - 1)] kN/m2, (ksf) where Suc > 48 kN/m2, (1 ksf)
Suc
Suc = 2c = Unconfined compressive strength , kN/m2 (lb/ft2)
cA = adhesion
= c for rough concrete, rusty steel, corrugated metal
0.8c < cA < c for smooth concrete
0.5c < cA < 0.9c for clean steel
c = cohesion of soil, kN/m2 (lb/ft2)
 = external friction angle of soil and wall contact (deg)
 = angle of internal friction (deg)
 = D = effective overburden pressure, kN/m2, (lb/ft2)
k = lateral earth pressure coefficient for piles
 = effective unit weight of soil, kN/m3 (lb/ft3) *See notes below
B = diameter or width of pile, m (ft)
D = Effective depth of pile, m (ft), where D < Dc
Dc = critical depth for piles in loose silts or sands m (ft).
Dc = 10B, for loose silts and sands
Dc = 15B, for medium dense silts and sands
Dc = 20B, for dense silts and sands
 = summation of differing soil layers (i.e. a1 + a2 + .... + an)
Notes: Determining effective length requires engineering judgment. The effective length can be the
pile depth minus any disturbed surface soils, soft/ loose soils, or seasonal variation. The effective
length may also be the length of a pile segment within a single soil layer of a multi layered soil.
Effective unit weight, , is the unit weight of the soil for soils above the water table and capillary
rise. For saturated soils, the effective unit weight is the unit weight of water, w, 9.81 kN/m3 (62.4
lb/ft3), subtracted from the saturated unit weight of soil.

Meyerhof Method for Determining qp and qf in Sand

Theoretical unit tip-bearing capacity for driven piles in sand, when D > 10:
B
2
qp = 4Nc tons/ft standard

Theoretical unit tip-bearing capacity for drilled piles in sand:

qp = 1.2Nc tons/ft2 standard

Theoretical unit friction-bearing capacity for driven piles in

sand:
qf = N tons/ft2 standard
50

Theoretical unit friction-bearing capacity for drilled piles in sand:

qf = N tons/ft2 standard
100

Where:

D = pile embedment depth, ft

B = pile diameter, ft
Nc = Cn(N)
Cn = 0.77 log 20

N = N-Value from SPT test
 = D = effective overburden stress at pile embedment depth, tons/ft2
= ( - )D = effective stress if below water table, tons/ft2
 = effective unit weight of soil, tons/ft3
 = 0.0312 tons/ft3 = unit weight of water

Examples for determining allowable bearing capacity

Example #1: Determine allowable bearing capacity and width for a shallow strip footing on
cohesionless silty sand and gravel soil. Loose soils were encountered in the upper 0.6 m (2 feet)
of building subgrade. Footing must withstand a 144 kN/m2 (3000 lb/ft2) building pressure.

Given

 bearing pressure from building = 144 kN/m2 (3000 lbs/ft2)

 unit weight of soil,  = 21 kN/m3 (132 lbs/ft3) *from soil testing, see typical g values

 Cohesion, c = 0 *from soil testing, see typical c values

 angle of Internal Friction,  = 32 degrees *from soil testing, see typical f values

 footing depth, D = 0.6 m (2 ft) *because loose soils in upper soil strata

Solution

Try a minimal footing width, B = 0.3 m (B = 1 foot).

Use a factor of safety, F.S = 3. Three is typical for this type of application. See factor of safety for
more information.
Determine bearing capacity factors N, Nc and Nq. See typical bearing capacity factors relating to
the soils' angle of internal friction.

 N = 22

 Nc = 35.5

 Nq = 23.2

Solve for ultimate bearing capacity,

Qu = c Nc +  D Nq + 0.5  B N *strip footing eq.

Qu = 0(35.5) + 21 kN/m3(0.6m)(23.2) + 0.5(21 kN/m3)(0.3 m)(22) metric

Qu = 362 kN/m2

Qu = 0(35.5) + 132lbs/ft3(2ft)(23.2) + 0.5(132lbs/ft3)(1ft)(22) standard

Qu = 7577 lbs/ft2

Solve for allowable bearing capacity,

Qa = Qu
F.S.

Qa = 362 kN/m2 = 121 kN/m2 not o.k. metric

3
Qa = 7577lbs/ft2 = 2526 lbs/ft2 not o.k. standard
3

Since Qa < required 144 kN/m2 (3000 lbs/ft2) bearing pressure, increase footing width, B or
foundation depth, D to increase bearing capacity.

Try footing width, B = 0.61 m (B = 2 ft).

Qu = 0 + 21 kN/m3(0.61 m)(23.2) + 0.5(21 kN/m3)(0.61 m)(22) metric

Qu = 438 kN/m2

Qu = 0 + 132 lbs/ft3(2 ft)(23.2) + 0.5(132 lbs/ft3)(2 ft)(22) standard

Qu = 9029 lbs/ft2

Qa = 438 kN/m2 = 146 kN/m2 Qa > 144 kN/m2 o.k. metric

3

Qa = 9029 lbs/ft2 = 3010 lbs/ft2 Qa > 3000 lbs/ft2 o.k. standard

3

Conclusion

Footing shall be 0.61 meters (2 feet) wide at a depth of 0.61 meters (2 feet) below ground surface.
Many engineers neglect the depth factor (i.e. D Nq = 0) for shallow foundations. This inherently
increases the factor of safety. Some site conditions that may negatively effect the depth factor are
foundations established at depths equal to or less than 0.3 meters (1 feet) below the ground
surface, placement of foundations on fill, and disturbed/ fill soils located above or to the sides of
foundations.

********************************
Example #2: Determine allowable bearing capacity of a shallow, 0.3 meter (12-inch) square
isolated footing bearing on saturated cohesive soil. The frost penetration depth is 0.61 meter (2
feet). Structural parameters require the foundation to withstand 4.4 kN (1000 lbs) of force on a
0.3 meter (12-inch) square column.

Given

 bearing pressure from building column = 4.4 kN/ (0.3 m x 0.3 m) = 48.9 kN/m 2
 bearing pressure from building column = 1000 lbs/ (1 ft x 1 ft) = 1000 lbs/ft2
 unit weight of saturated soil, sat= 20.3 kN/m3 (129 lbs/ft3) *see typical g values
 unit weight of water, w= 9.81 kN/m3 (62.4 lbs/ft3) *constant
 Cohesion, c = 21.1 kN/m2 (440 lbs/ft2) *from soil testing, see typical c values
 angle of Internal Friction,  = 0 degrees *from soil testing, see typical f values
 footing width, B = 0.3 m (1 ft)
Solution

Try a footing depth, D = 0.61 meters (2 feet), because foundation should be below frost depth.

Use a factor of safety, F.S = 3. See factor of safety for more information.

Determine bearing capacity factors N, Nc and Nq. See typical bearing capacity factors relating to
the soils' angle of internal friction.

 N = 0

 Nc = 5.7

 Nq = 1

Solve for ultimate bearing capacity,

Qu = 1.3c Nc +  D Nq + 0.4  B N *square footing eq.

Qu =1.3(21.1kN/m2)5.7+(20.3kN/m3-9.81kN/m3)(0.61m)1+0.4(20.3kN/m3-9.81kN/m3)(0.3m)0
Qu = 163 kN/m2 metric

Qu = 1.3(440lbs/ft2)(5.7) + (129lbs/ft3 - 62.4lbs/ft3)(2ft)(1) + 0.4(129lbs/ft3 - 62.4lbs/ft3)(1ft)(0)

Qu = 3394 lbs/ft2 standard

Solve for allowable bearing capacity,

Qa = Qu
F.S.

Qa = 163 kN/m2 = 54 kN/m2 Qa > 48.9 kN/m2 o.k. metric

3
Qa = 3394lbs/ft2 = 1130 lbs/ft2 Qa > 1000 lbs/ft2 o.k. standard
3

Conclusion

The 0.3 meter (12-inch) isolated square footing shall be 0.61 meters (2 feet) below the ground
surface. Other considerations may be required for foundations bearing on moisture sensitive clays,
especially for lightly loaded structures such as in this example. Sensitive clays could expand and
contract, which could cause structural damage. Clay used as bearing soils may require mitigation
such as heavier loads, subgrade removal and replacement below the foundation, or moisture
control within the subgrade.

********************************
Example #3: Determine allowable bearing capacity and width for a foundation using the
Meyerhof Method. Soils consist of poorly graded sand. Footing must withstand a 144 kN/m2 (1.5
tons/ft2) building pressure.

Given

 bearing pressure from building = 144 kN/m2 (1.5 tons/ft2)

 N Value, N = 10 at 0.3 m (1 ft) depth *from SPT soil testing
 N Value, N = 36 at 0.61 m (2 ft) depth *from SPT soil testing
 N Value, N = 50 at 1.5 m (5 ft) depth *from SPT soil testing
Solution

Try a minimal footing width, B = 0.3 m (B = 1 foot) at a depth, D = 0.61 meter (2 feet). Footings for
single family residences are typically 0.3m (1 ft) to 0.61m (2ft) wide. This depth was selected
because soil density greatly increases (i.e. higher N-value) at a depth of 0.61 m (2 ft).

Use a factor of safety, F.S = 3. Three is typical for this type of application. See factor of safety for
more information.

Solve for ultimate bearing capacity

Qu = 31.417(NB + ND) (kN/m2) (metric)

Qu = NB + ND (tons/ft2) (standard)
10 10

Qu = 31.417(36(0.3m) + 36(0.61m)) = 1029 kN/m2 (metric)

Qu = 36(1 ft) + 36(2 ft) = 10.8 tons/ft2 (standard)

10 10

Solve for allowable bearing capacity,

Qa = Qu
F.S.

Qa = 1029 kN/m2 = 343 kN/m2 Qa > 144 kN/m2 o.k. (metric)

3
Qa = 10.8 tons/ft2 = 3.6 tons/ft2 Qa > 1.5 tons/ft2 o.k. (standard)
3

Conclusion

Footing shall be 0.3 meters (1 feet) wide at a depth of 0.61 meters (2 feet) below the ground
surface. A footing width of only 0.3 m (1 ft) is most likely insufficient for the structural engineer
when designing the footing with the building pressure in this problem.

********************************

Example #4: Determine allowable bearing capacity and diameter of a single driven pile. Pile must
withstand a 66.7 kN (15 kips) vertical load.

Given
 vertical column load = 66.7 kN (15 kips or 15,000 lb)
 homogeneous soils in upper 15.2 m (50 ft); silty soil
o unit weight,  = 19.6 kN/m3 (125 lbs/ft3) *from soil testing, see typical g values
o cohesion, c = 47.9 kN/m2 (1000 lb/ft2) *from soil testing, see typical c values
o angle of internal friction,  = 30 degrees *from soil testing, see typical f values
 Pile Information
o driven
o steel
o plugged end
o
Solution

Try a pile depth, D = 1.5 meters (5 feet)

Try pile diameter, B = 0.61 m (2 ft)

Use a factor of safety, F.S = 3. Smaller factors of safety are sometimes used if piles are load tested,
or the engineer has sufficient experience with the regional soils.

Determine ultimate end bearing of pile,

Qp = Apqp

Ap = (B/2)2  (0.61m/2)2 = 0.292 m2 metric

Ap  (B/2)2 (2ft/2)2 = 3.14 ft2 standard

qp = DNq

 = 19.6 kN/m3 (125 lbs/ft3); given soil unit weight

 = 30 degrees; given soil angle of internal friction
B = 0.61 m (2 ft); trial pile width
D = 1.5 m (5 ft); trial depth, may need to increase or decrease depending on capacity
check to see if D < Dc
Dc = 15B = 9.2 m (30 ft); critical depth for medium dense silts.
If D > Dc, then use Dc
Nq = 25; Meyerhof bearing capacity factor for driven piles, based on 

qp = 19.6 kN/m3(1.5 m)25 = 735 kN/m2 metric

qp = 125 lb/ft3(5 ft)25 = 15,625 lb/ft2 standard

Qp = Apqp = (0.292 m2)(735 kN/m2) = 214.6 kN metric

Qp = Apqp = (3.14 ft2)(15,625 lb/ft2) = 49,063 lb standard

Determine ultimate friction capacity of pile,

Qf = Afqf

Af = pL

p = 2(0.61m/2) = 1.92 m metric

p = 2(2 ft/2) = 6.28 ft standard
L = D = 1.5 m (5 ft); length and depth used interchangeably. check Dc as above

Af = 1.92 m(1.5 m) = 2.88 m2 metric

Af = 6.28 ft(5 ft) = 31.4 ft2 standard

qf = cA + k tan   cA  kD tan 

k = 0.5; lateral earth pressure coefficient for piles, value chosen from Broms low density steel
 = 19.6 kN/m3 (125 lb/ft3); given effective soil unit weight. If water table, then   w
D = L = 1.5 m (5 ft); pile length. Check to see if D < Dc
Dc = 15B = 9.2 m (30 ft); critical depth for medium dense silts. If D > Dc, then use Dc
 = 20 deg; external friction angle, equation chosen from Broms steel piles
B = 0.61 m (2 ft); selected pile diameter
cA = 0.5c; for clean steel. See adhesion in pile theories above.
= 24 kN/m2 (500 lb/ft2)

qf = 24 kN/m2 + 0.5(19.6 kN/m3)(1.5m)tan 20 = 29.4 kN/m2 metric

qf = 500 lb/ft2 + 0.5(125 lb/ft3)(5ft)tan 20 = 614 lb/ft2 standard

Qf = Afqf = 2.88 m2(29.4 kN/m2) = 84.7 kN metric

Qf = Afqf = 31.4 ft2(614 lb/ft2) = 19,280 lb standard
Determine ultimate pile capacity,

Qult = Qp + Qf

Qult = 214.6 kN + 84.7 kN = 299.3 kN metric

Qult = 49,063 lb + 19,280 lb = 68,343 lb standard

Solve for allowable bearing capacity,

Qa = Qult
F.S.

Qa = 299.3 kN = 99.8 kN; Qa > applied load (66.7 kN) o.k. metric
3
Qa = 68,343 lbs = 22,781 lbs Qa > applied load (15 kips) o.k. standard
3

Conclusion

A 0.61 m (2 ft) steel pile shall be plugged and driven 1.5 m (5 feet) below the ground surface. Many
engineers neglect the skin friction within the upper 1 to 5 feet of subgrade due to seasonal
variations or soil disturbance. Seasonal variations may include freeze/ thaw or effects from water.
The end bearing alone (neglect skin friction) is sufficient for this case. Typical methods for
increasing the pile capacity are increasing the pile diameter or increasing the embedment depth of
the pile.

*******************************

Example #5: Determine allowable bearing capacity and diameter of a single driven pile. Pile must
withstand a 66.7 kN (15 kips) vertical load.

Given

 vertical column load = 66.7 kN (15 kips or 15,000 lb)

 upper 1.5 m (5 ft) of soil is a medium dense gravelly sand
o unit weight,  = 19.6 kN/m3 (125 lbs/ft3) *from soil testing, see typical g values
o cohesion, c = 0 *from soil testing, see typical c values
o angle of internal friction,  = 30 degrees *from soil testing, see typical f values
 soils below 1.5 m (5 ft) of soil is a stiff silty clay
o unit weight,  = 18.9 kN/m3 (120 lbs/ft3)
o cohesion, c = 47.9 kN/m2 (1000 lb/ft2)
o angle of internal friction,  = 0 degrees
 Pile Information
o driven
o wood
o closed end

Solution

Try a pile depth, D = 2.4 meters (8 feet)

Try pile diameter, B = 0.61 m (2 ft)

Use a factor of safety, F.S = 3. Smaller factors of safety are sometimes used if piles are load tested,
or the engineer has sufficient experience with the regional soils.
Determine ultimate end bearing of pile,

Qp = Apqp

Ap = (B/2)2  (0.61m/2)2 = 0.292 m2 metric

Ap  (B/2)2 (2ft/2)2 = 3.14 ft2 standard
qp = 9c = 9(47.9 kN/m2) = 431.1 kN/m2 metric
qp = 9c = 9(1000 lb/ft2) = 9000 lb/ft2 standard
Qp = Apqp = (0.292 m2)(431.1 kN/m2) = 125.9 kN metric
Qp = Apqp = (3.14 ft2)(9000 lb/ft2) = 28,260 lb standard

Determine ultimate friction capacity of pile,

Qf = pqfL

p = 2(0.61m/2) = 1.92 m metric

p = 2(2 ft/2) = 6.28 ft standard

upper 1.5 m (5 ft) of soil

qfL = [k tan ]L = [kD tan ]L

k = 1.5; lateral earth pressure coefficient for piles, value chosen from Broms low density timber
 = 19.6 kN/m3 (125 lb/ft3); given effective soil unit weight. If water table, then   w
D = L = 1.5 m (5 ft); segment of pile within this soil strata. Check to see if D < Dc
Dc = 15B = 9.2 m (30 ft); critical depth for medium dense sands. This assumption is conservative,
because the soil is gravelly, and this much soil unit weight for a sand would indicate dense soils. If D
> Dc, then use Dc
 = (2/3) = 20 deg; external friction angle, equation chosen from Broms timber piles
B = 0.61 m (2 ft); selected pile diameter
 = 30 deg; given soil angle of internal friction

qfL = [1.5(19.6 kN/m3)(1.5m)tan (20)]1.5 m = 24.1 kN/m metric

qfL = [1.5(125 lb/ft3)(5ft)tan (20)]5 ft = 1706 lb/ft standard

soils below 1.5 m (5 ft) of subgrade

qfL = Su
Suc = 2c = 95.8 kN/m2 (2000 lb/ft2); unconfined compressive strength
c = 47.9 kN/m2 (1000 lb/ft2); cohesion from soil testing (given)
 = 1 [0.9 + 0.3(Suc - 1)] = 0.3; because Suc > 48 kN/m2, (1 ksf)
Suc
L = 0.91 m (3 ft); segment of pile within this soil strata

qfL = [0.3(95.8 kN/m2)]0.91 m = 26.2 kN/m metric

qfL = [0.3(2000 lb/ft2)]3 ft = 1800 lb/ft standard

ultimate friction capacity of combined soil layers

Qf = pqfL

Qf = 1.92 m(24.1 kN/m + 26.2 kN/m) = 96.6 kN metric

Qf = 6.28 ft(1706 lb/ft + 1800 lb/ft) = 22,018 lb standard

Determine ultimate pile capacity,

Qult = Qp + Qf

Qult = 125.9 kN + 96.6 kN = 222.5 kN metric

Qult = 28,260 lb + 22,018 lb = 50,278 lb standard
Solve for allowable bearing capacity,

Qa = Qult
F.S.

Qa = 222.5 kN = 74.2 kN; Qa > applied load (66.7 kN) o.k. metric
3
Qa = 50,275 lbs = 16,758 lbs Qa > applied load (15 kips) o.k. standard
3

Conclusion

Wood pile shall be driven 8 feet below the ground surface. Many engineers neglect the skin friction
within the upper 1 to 5 feet of subgrade due to seasonal variations or soil disturbance. Seasonal
variations may include freeze/ thaw or effects from water. Notice how the soil properties within
the pile tip location is used in the end bearing calculations. End bearing should also consider the
soil layer(s) directly beneath this layer. Engineering judgment or a change in design is warranted if
subsequent soil layers are weaker than the soils within the vicinity of the pile tip. Typical methods
for increasing the pile capacity are increasing the pile diameter or increasing the embedment depth
of the pile.