Lecture 2

Contents
Bearing Capacity........................................................................................................................................... 2
Bearing Capacity of Soils ......................................................................................................................... 2
Bearing Capacity Terms........................................................................................................................ 2
Methods/ sources of obtaining bearing capacity ....................................................................................... 3
Building Codes...................................................................................................................................... 3
Soil load test.......................................................................................................................................... 4
Bearing capacity from standard penetration test. .................................................................................. 5
Bearing Capacity from CPT .................................................................................................................. 6
Bearing Capacity Using Vane Shear Test ............................................................................................. 7
Bearing capacity from laboratory testing of soils ................................................................................. 8
Analytical methods for bearing capacity of soil (Bearing Capacity Theories) ..................................... 8

1
 Bearing Capacity
Bearing Capacity of Soils
The maximum average contact pressure which soil can carry without shear failure or excessive settlement
is called bearing capacity of soil.

Bearing Capacity Terms

i) Ultimate Bearing Capacity qu (Gross U.B.C., qu gross): The maximum value of the average
contact pressure between the foundation and soil which will produce shear failure in the soil.
ii) Safe bearing capacity qs: The maximum value of contact pressure to which a soil can be
subjected without risk of shear failure. This is solely based on shear strength of the soil and is
simply the ultimate bearing capacity divided by a suitable factor of safety.
𝑞𝑢 (1)
𝑞𝑠=
𝐹𝑂𝑆
The value of FOS ranges from 2 to 5 and generally 3 is used.
𝑞𝑢 = 𝑞𝑐 + 𝑞𝑞 + 𝑞𝛾 (2)
qc= Cohesion of soil
qq= surcharge load
q𝜰= Density of soil under foundation
Equation (2) is the general representation of ultimate bearing capacity equation consistency of
terms contributing to the bearing capacity of soil.
1 (3)
𝑞𝑢 = 𝑐𝑁𝑐 + 𝛾𝐷𝑓 𝑁𝑞 + 𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾
2
Equation (3) is called Tarzaghi’s bearing capacity equation.
iii) Ultimate Net Bearing Capacity qu net : It is the bearing capacity of soil obtained by subtracting
overburden pressure from ultimate bearing capacity.

𝑞𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑞𝑢 − 𝛾𝐷𝑓 (4)

iv) Safe net bearing capacity qs net : it is the bearing capacity of soil obtained by dividing the net
bearing capacity by factor of safety.
𝑞𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑡 (5)
𝑞𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑡 =
𝐹𝑂𝑆
v) Safe gross bearing capacity qs gross: it is obtained by adding overburden pressure to safe net
bearing capacity.

𝑞𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 = 𝑞𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑡 + 𝛾𝐷𝑓 (6)

vi) Allowable bearing capacity: The maximum allowable net loading intensity on the soil allowing
for both shear and settlement effects.
For proper functioning and safety of the structure the soil underneath the foundation must fulfill
the following criteria.
a) The settlement of the soil caused by the load must be within tolerable limit.
b) Shear failure of the soil supporting the foundation must not occur.

2
Methods/ sources of obtaining bearing capacity
i. Building Codes, Official Regulations and Civil Engineering Handbooks
ii. Soil Load Test
iii. Methods based on bearing capacity theories
iv. Methods based on observations
v. Laboratory testing

Building Codes
Consult table 11.2for these values

3
Soil load test
Plate load test is the in-situ test which is performed to determine the bearing capacity of soils. The standard
test method for a field load test is given by American society for testing and materials (ASTM) under
designation D-1194(ASTM, 1997). Circular steel plates 162mm to 760mm diameter and 305mmx305mm
square plates are used for this type of test.

Figure 1: Schematics of Conducting the Plate Load Test

A diagram of test is shown in figure 1. To conduct test, one must have a pit of depth D f excavated. The
width of the pit must be at least 4 times the width of the plate to be used for the test. The bearing plate is
placed on the soil at the bottom of the pit, and an incremental load on the bearing plate is applied. After the
application of incremental load, enough time is allowed for settlement to occur. When the settlement of
bearing plates becomes negligible, another incremental load is applied. In this manner a load-settlement
graph can be produced as shown in figure.

Figure 2: Load Settlement Curve for the Plate Load Test

From the results of field load test the ultimate soil bearing capacity of actual footings can be approximated
as follows.
𝐵𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 (7)
𝑞𝑢 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝑞𝑢 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑋
𝐵𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒

4
For a given intensity of load q, the settlement of the actual footing also can be approximated from the
following equations.
For clays,
𝐵𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 (8)
𝑆𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝑆𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑋
𝐵𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒
For sandy soils,
2 (9)
2 𝐵𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔
𝑆𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝑆𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑋 ( )
𝐵𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 + 𝐵𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Example 1.
The ultimate bearing capacity of 700mm diameter plate as determined from field load test is 280kN/m2.
Estimate the ultimate bearing capacity of a circular footing with a diameter of 1.5m. The soil is sandy type.
(Example 16.6 “Principles of Geotechnical Engineering by Das.)
Solution:
𝐵𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔
𝑞𝑢 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝑞𝑢 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑋
𝐵𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒
1.5
𝑞𝑢 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 280𝑋
0.7
𝑞𝑢 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 680𝑘𝑁/𝑚2

Bearing capacity from standard penetration test.

The bearing capacity of cohesionless soils, in general is controlled by settlement rather than shear failure.
Many researchers has developed the relationships between bearing capacity and SPT/CPT values for
cohesionless soils. Few noticeable are as follows.
Bowles (1988)
a) qa=20 NKd for B≤1.25m
𝐵+0.3 2
b) 𝑞𝑎 = 1.25 𝑁 ( 𝐵
) . 𝐾𝑑 for B>1.25m

Where qa= allowable bearing pressure for a maximum settlement of 25mm in kPa.
N=SPT resistance in blows/300mm=statistical average value for the footing influence zone of about 0.5B
above footing base to at least 2B below.
B=Footing width in meters
𝐷𝑓
𝐾𝑑 = 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = (1 + 0.33 × )≤1.33
𝐵

Teng (1962) relations

Teng proposed the following relationships

5
 a) 𝑞𝑠 = 0.105𝐵𝑁 2 𝑅′𝑤 + 0.314(100 + 𝑁 2 )𝐷𝑓 𝑅𝑤 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔
b) 𝑞𝑠 = 0.157𝐵𝑁 2 𝑅′ + 0.262(100 + 𝑁 2 )𝐷𝑓 𝑅𝑤 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑝𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔

Where qs= safe bearing capacity w.r.t. shear failure alone for factor of safety of 3 in kPa.
B= Footing width in meters
N=SPT resistance in blows/300mm
Df=footing depth in meters
Rw & R’w = water table reduction factor (See Fig. 11.10 of soil mechanics by Dr. Aziz Akbar)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-

Bearing Capacity from CPT

Mayerhof (1956)
For a maximum settlement of 25mm Mayerhof proposed the following equation for footings
on sand.
𝑘𝑁 𝑞
a) 𝑞𝑎 = 3.6 𝑞𝑐 𝑚2 ≈ 30𝑐 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚2 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐵 ≤ 1.2𝑚
1 2 𝑘𝑁 𝑞𝑐 1 2
b) 𝑞𝑎 = 2.1 𝑞𝑐 (1 + 𝐵) 𝑚2
≈ 50
(1 + 𝐵
) 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚2 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐵 > 1.2𝑚

For any given value of B, an approximate formula is

𝑘𝑁 𝑞𝑐
𝑞𝑎 = 3.6 𝑞𝑐 ≈ 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚2
𝑚2 30

6
qa= allowable bearing capacity for 25mm settlement
B= footing width in meters
qc= CPT cone resistance in kg/cm2
Schmertmann (1978)
For Cohesionless soils
For Strip Footing

𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒 = 28 − 0.0052(300 − 𝑞𝑐 )1.5 𝑖𝑛 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚2

For Square Footing

𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒 = 48 − 0.009(300 − 𝑞𝑐 )1.5 𝑖𝑛 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚2

For Cohesive soils
For Strip Footing

𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒 = 2 + 0.28𝑞𝑐 𝑖𝑛 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚2

For Square Footing

𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒 = 5 + 0.34𝑞𝑐 𝑖𝑛 𝑘𝑔/𝑐𝑚2

Bearing Capacity Using Vane Shear Test

0.2𝐷𝑓 0.2𝐵
𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒 = 5𝜇𝜏𝑢 (1 + ) (1 + )+𝑞
𝐵 𝐿
Where,
µ=strength reduction factor (Fig. 11.11)
𝑇
𝜏𝑢 = 𝑈𝑛𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ =
3.6𝐷 3
T=measured torque
D= Blade diameter of vane

7
Bearing capacity from laboratory testing of soils
Bearing capacity for cohesive soils (clay) can be determined directly in the laboratory by performing
unconfined compression test on cylindrical soil sample having height to diameter ratio of 2.0-2.5. Here,
𝑞𝑎 𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑞𝑢 = 2𝑐
Where,
𝑞𝑎 𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑁𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙
𝑞𝑢 = 𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙
c=cohesion of soil
This test is much cheaper than the in-situ plate load test.

Analytical methods for bearing capacity of soil (Bearing Capacity Theories)

Problem 3
The results of a plate load test in a sandy soil are shown in Figure 3. The size of the plate is 0.305mx0.305m.
Determine the size of a square column foundation that should carry a load of 2500kN with a maximum
settlement of 25mm. (Example 16.7 “Principles of Geotechnical Engineering by Das.)

2 Eq.
2𝑋 𝐵𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔
𝑆𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝑆𝑒 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑋 ( ) A
𝐵𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 + 𝐵𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒

8
Solution:
The problem has to be solved by trial and error using the equation and graph.

Assumed Sa (Plate) Corresponding to q

Trial Q (kN) 𝑞= (𝑘𝑁 𝑚2 ) Sa (footing) Using Eq. A (mm)
Width B (m) 𝐵2 in column 3 from Fig. 3
1 2500 4 156.25 4.0 13.81
2 2500 3 277.78 8.0 26.37
3 2500 3.2 244.14 6.8 22.67

Tarzaghi’s Bearing Capacity Equation

Tarzaghi produced a formula for qu which allows for the effect of cohesion and friction between the base
𝐷𝑓
of footing and the soil and is also applicable to shallow ( 𝐵 ≤ 1) and surface foundations.

His solution for strip footing is

1
𝑞𝑢 = 𝑐𝑁𝑐 + 𝛾𝐷𝑓 𝑁𝑞 + 𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾
2
Nc, Nq and N depend upon the angle of internal friction. These are called bearing capacity factors and
there values can be obtained from Fig. 10.4

The Tarzaghi solution for the circular footing is

𝑞𝑢 = 1.3𝑐𝑁𝑐 + 𝛾𝐷𝑓 𝑁𝑞 + 0.3𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾

For square footing

𝑞𝑢 = 1.3𝑐𝑁𝑐 + 𝛾𝐷𝑓 𝑁𝑞 + 0.4𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾

For rectangular footing

𝐵 𝐵
𝑞𝑢 = (1 + 0.3 ) 𝑐𝑁𝑐 + 𝛾𝐷𝑓 𝑁𝑞 + 0.5𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾 (1 − 0.2 )
𝐿 𝐿

9
Example:
A continuous foundation is 1.5m wide and founded at a depth of 1.5m in a deep layer of sand of unit weight
18.5kN/m3. Determine the ultimate bearing capacity of the foundation if the soil strength parameters are
c’=0, ’= (i) 35˚, (ii) 30˚

The effect of ground water on bearing capacity

water table below foundation level
if the water table is at a depth of not less than “B” below the foundation the expression for the net
ultimate bearing capacity is the one given above but when the water table rises to a depth of less than
“B” below the foundation the expression becomes for net bearing capacity as:
𝑞𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑐𝑁𝑐 + 𝛾𝐷𝑓 (𝑁𝑞 − 1) + 0.5𝛾′𝐵𝑁𝛾

=unit weight of soil above ground water level.

’= effective unit weight of soil=sat-w

Water table above the foundation level
For this case Tarzaghi’s expression are best written in the form
𝑞𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑐𝑁𝑐 + 𝛾′𝐷𝑓 (𝑁𝑞 − 1) + 0.5𝛾′𝐵𝑁𝛾

From the expression it is seen that in these circumstances, the bearing capacity of cohesive soil can be
affected by ground water table.

Developments in bearing capacity equations

Tarzaghi’s bearing capacity equation has been used successfully throughout the world and is still in use for
the design of foundations. However many researches think Tarzaghi’s equation to be conservative as his
equation does not incorporate the shear resistance of soil above foundations, inclined loading and depth of
foundation which affect the bearing capacity of soil. Many researchers have worked on these parameters
and gave solutions for calculation of these factors.
General form of Bearing Capacity Equation
Mayerhof (1963) proposed the following general equation for qu :
𝑞𝑢 = 𝑐𝑁𝑐 𝑆𝑐 𝐼𝑐 𝑑𝑐 + 𝛾′𝐷𝑓 𝑁𝑞 𝑆𝑞 𝐼𝑞 𝑑𝑞 + 0.5𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾 𝑆𝛾 𝐼𝛾 𝑑𝛾

Where,

Sc, Sq and S are shape factors

Ic, Iq and I are inclination factors
dc, dq and d are depth factors
Other factors like Gc, Gq and G to allow for a sloping ground surface and Bc, Bq and B to allow for any
inclination of base can also be included when required.

The values of Nc, Nq and N used in general bearing capacity equation are not Tarzaghi’s bearing capacity
factor values. These are obtained by using Meyerhof’s equations and these are considered to give
satisfactory results.
For Nc and Nq Meyerhof’s equations are as:

𝑁𝑐 = (𝑁𝑞 − 1) cot ∅

10
 ∅
𝑁𝑞 = tan2 (45 + ) 𝑒 𝜋 tan ∅
2
Unfortunately there is not the same agreement about the remaining factory N and following expressions
are available for N.

𝑁𝛾 = (𝑁𝑞 − 1) tan1.4 ∅ Meyerhof (1963)

𝑁𝛾 = 1.5(𝑁𝑞 − 1) tan ∅ Hansen (1970)

𝑁𝛾 = 2(𝑁𝑞 + 1) tan ∅ Vesic (1973)

𝑁𝛾 = 2(𝑁𝑞 − 1) tan ∅ Chen (1975), EN1997-I: 2004

Chen (1975) for friction between foundation base and soil 𝛿 ≥ ∅/2

From above expression for N it is assumed that EN1997-I:2004 expression for N is most preferred option.
So for general bearing capacity equation the Nc, Nq and N are determined by:

𝑁𝑐 = (𝑁𝑞 − 1) cot ∅

∅
𝑁𝑞 = tan2 (45 + ) 𝑒 𝜋 tan ∅
2
𝑁𝛾 = 2(𝑁𝑞 − 1) tan ∅

N values from Meyerhof’s equation are also used.

Inclination factors
𝛼 2
𝐼𝑐 = 𝐼𝑞 = (1 − )
90°
𝛼 2
𝐼𝛾 = (1 − )
∅
Typical values of these parameters are shown in Fig. 10.5

11
Shape Factors
These factors are intended to allow for the effect of the shape of the foundation on its bearing capacity.
These factors have largely been evaluated from laboratory tests and values in present use are those proposed
by De Beer (1970).
𝐵 𝑁𝑞
𝑆𝑐 = 1 + .
𝐿 𝑁𝑐
𝐵
𝑆𝑞 = 1 + . tan ∅
𝐿
𝐵
𝑆𝛾 = 1 + 0.4
𝐿
Depth Factor
These factors are intended to allow for the shear strength of the soil above the foundation. Hansen (1970)
proposed following values.
𝐷𝑓 𝐷𝑓
Criteria ≤ 1.0 > 1.0
𝐵 𝐵
𝐷𝑓 𝐷𝑓
dc 1 + 0.4 ( ) 1 + 0.4 tan−1 ( )
𝐵 𝐵
𝐷𝑓 𝐷𝑓
dq 1 + 2 tan ∅ (1 − sin ∅)2 ( ) 1 + 2 tan ∅ (1 − sin ∅)2 tan−1 ( )
𝐵 𝐵
1.0 1.0
d

𝐷 1.5
Note: the tan−1 ( 𝑓) must be in radians e.g. if 𝐷𝑓 =1.5m and B=1.0m then tan−1 ( )=56.3˚=0.983 radians
𝐵 1.0
1.5
e.g. if 𝐷𝑓 = 1.5𝑚 and 𝐵 = 1.0𝑚 then tan−1 ( ) = 56.3˚ = 0.983 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑠.
1.0

Problem 4.
A rectangular foundation 2mx4m is to be founded at a depth of 1m below the surface of a soil with =
20𝑘𝑁/𝑚3 , c=0kPa and =25˚. Determine the ultimate bearing capacity using general bearing capacity
equation.

From table 9.1 for =25˚, 𝑁𝑞 = 10.66, 𝑁 = 9.01 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑁𝑐 = 20.72

𝐵 2
𝑆𝑞 = 1 + ( ) tan  = 1 + ( ) tan 25˚ = 1.23
𝐿 4
𝐵 2
𝑆 = 1 − 0.4 ( ) = 1 − 0.4 ( ) = 0.8
𝐿 4
𝐵 𝑁𝑞 2 10.66
𝑆𝑐 = 1 + 0.4 . = 1 + 0.4 . = ______________
𝐿 𝑁𝑐 4 20.72
𝐷
As 𝑓 ≤ 1.0 therefore
𝐵

𝐷𝑓 2
𝑑𝑐 = 1 + 0.4 ( ) = 1 + 0.4 ( ) = 1.2
𝐵 4

12
 𝐷𝑓 1
𝑑𝑞 = 1 + 2 tan ∅ (1 − sin ∅)2 ( ) = 1 + 2 tan 25˚ (1 − sin 25˚)2 ( ) = 1.16
𝐵 2
𝑑 = 1.0
As inclination is not given therefore the Inclination factors are taken as 𝐼𝛾 = 𝐼𝑞 = 𝐼𝑐 = 1

Using general bearing capacity equation

𝑞𝑢 = 𝑐𝑁𝑐 𝑆𝑐 𝐼𝑐 𝑑𝑐 + 𝛾′𝐷𝑓 𝑁𝑞 𝑆𝑞 𝐼𝑞 𝑑𝑞 + 0.5𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾 𝑆𝛾 𝐼𝛾 𝑑𝛾

𝑞𝑢 = 0x20.72x1.1x1.2 + 20x1x10.66x1.23x1.16 + 0.5x20x2x9.01x0.8x1.6

𝑞𝑢 = 448.4𝑘𝑃𝑎
Problem 5
Using FOS=3 determine the 𝑞𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑡 in the above problem.
Solution

𝑞𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑡 =?
𝑞𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑞𝑢 − 𝐷𝑓 = 448.4 − 20x1.0 = 428.4𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑞𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑡 428.4
𝑞𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑡 = = = 162.8𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝐹𝑂𝑆 3
Problem 6

A square foundation is 1.5mx1.5m in plan. The soil supporting the foundation has a friction angle ’=20˚
and c’=15.2kN/m3. The unit weight of soil is 17.8kN/m3. Determine the safe gross load on the foundation
with FOS=4. Assume that the depth of foundation is 1m. (Use Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equation.)
Solution.
Tarzaghi’s bearing capacity equation is given as under.
𝑞𝑢 = 1.3𝑐𝑁𝑐 + 𝛾𝐷𝑓 𝑁𝑞 + 0.4𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾

For =20˚ Tarzaghi’s Nc, Nq and N are 17.69, 7.44 and 3.64 respectively.
𝑞𝑢 = 1.3x15.2x17.69 + 17.8x1x7.44 + 0.4x17.8x1.5x3.64=520.86 kN/m2

𝑞𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑞𝑢 − 𝐷𝑓 = 520.86 − 17.8x1.0 = 503.06kN/𝑚2

𝑞𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑡 503.06
𝑞𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑡 = = = 125.76𝑘𝑁/𝑚2
𝐹𝑂𝑆 4
𝑞𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 = 𝑞𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑡 + 𝐷𝑓 = 125.76 + 17.8x1.0 = 142.8𝑘𝑁/𝑚2

Qs gross =safe gross load in kN

𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠
𝑞𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 = → 𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 = 𝑞𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 x𝐴 = 142.8x1.52 = 321.3𝑘𝑁
𝐴
Problem 7
A square foundation is shown in figure. The footing will carry a gross mass of 30,000kg. Using a FOS of 3
determine the size of footing that is the size of B.

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 =1850kg/m3
’=35˚
1m 30000kg C’=0

B=?

It is given that soil density==1850kg/m3

1850x9.81
So  = 1000
= 18.15𝑘𝑁/𝑚3
30,000x9.81
Total gross load to be supported by the footing is 𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 = = 294.3𝑘𝑁
1000

From Tarzaghi’s equation (for square footing)

𝑞𝑢 = 1.3𝑐𝑁𝑐 + 𝛾𝐷𝑓 𝑁𝑞 + 0.4𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾

For =35˚, Tarzaghi’s Nc, Nq and N are 57.75, 41.44 and 45.41 respectively.
𝑞𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑞𝑢 − 𝐷𝑓 = 1.3𝑐𝑁𝑐 + 𝛾𝐷𝑓 𝑁𝑞 + 0.4𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾 − 𝐷𝑓
𝑞𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑡 1.3𝑐𝑁𝑐 + 𝛾𝐷𝑓 𝑁𝑞 + 0.4𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾 − 𝐷𝑓
𝑞𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑡 = =
𝐹𝑂𝑆 𝐹𝑂𝑆
1.3𝑐𝑁𝑐 +𝛾𝐷𝑓 𝑁𝑞 +0.4𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾 −𝐷𝑓
𝑞𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 = 𝑞𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑡 + 𝐷𝑓 = 𝐹𝑂𝑆
+ 𝐷𝑓 (A)

𝑄𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑄𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠
𝑞𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 = = (B)
𝐴 𝐵2

Comparing Equation A and B

𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 1.3𝑐𝑁𝑐 + 𝛾𝐷𝑓 𝑁𝑞 + 0.4𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾 − 𝐷𝑓

= + 𝐷𝑓
𝐵2 𝐹𝑂𝑆
294.3 1.3x0x57.75 + 18.15x1.0x41.44 + 0.4x18.15x𝐵x45.41 − 18.15x1.0
= + 18.15x1.0
𝐵2 3
294.3 752.136 + 329.68𝐵 − 18.15
= + 18.15
𝐵2 3
Multiplying whole equation by 3𝐵2

882.9=752.14𝐵2 +329.68𝐵3 -18.15𝐵2 +54.45𝐵2

882.9=788.44𝐵2 +329.68𝐵3
B=0.9m

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