Depth of foundation related to bearing

capacity of soil
The Depth of Foundation is the most important part of a structure because the strength of the
structure depends on the foundation.

We shall see some of the building was constructed by the Shallow foundation (Isolated footing,
Combined footing or RR Masonry) & some other deep foundation (Mat foundation, Pile
foundation) Why?.

The depth of the foundation was designed based on the following factor.

 Bearing Capacity of Soil (Load Resisting Capacity)

 The density of the Soil
 The water table of ground surface
 Self-weight of the Structure
 What would be the Live Load (Assumption)
 Wind Load & Seismic load (Earthquake)

The minimum depth of foundation formula has invented by Rankine.

Rankine’s Formula 
1 sin
 
1 sin

Df – Minimum depth of foundation in meters

P – the Bearing capacity of the soil in KN/m2

γ – Density of soil or the unit weight of the soil in KN/m3

φ – The angle of repose soil.

Before to calculate the depth of shallow foundation we shall discuss the Bearing capacity of soil
and Angle of Repose.

What is Angle of Repose Soil? 

A granular material is the steepest angle relative to the horizontal plane which a material can be
piled without slumping (As shown in the below Picture). The Angle of repose shall range from
0° to 90°.
Here we listed some type of soil Angle of repose.
 What is Bearing capacity of the Soil? 

The capacity of the soil that supports the structural load to the ground without any shear failure
or settlement is called safe bearing capacity of the soil.

Here we listed some Bearing capacity soils with Values

The actual bearing capacity and other related detail of soil give in Soil investigation report.

The density of Soil list given below

  

Let us see an example for Depth calculation for Hard Clay Soil

 
Kindly consider the following factor while designing the foundation depth.

1. Dead load. Live load & other loads.

2. If you need to extend the building in future, so design accordingly.
3. Collect soil strata detail to do accuracy design.