The bearing capacity of soil is given by the equation Qa = Qu/FS in which Qa is the

allowable bearing capacity (in kN/m 2 or lb/ft2), Qu is the ultimate bearing capacity (in
kN/m2 or lb/ft2) and FS is the safety factor. The ultimate bearing capacity Qu is the
theoretical limit of the bearing capacity.

Much like how the Leaning Tower of Pisa leans due to the deformation of soil,
engineers use these calculations when determining the weight of buildings and
houses. As engineers and researchers lay down foundation, they need to make sure
their projects are ideal for the ground that supports it. Bearing capacity is one method
of measuring this strength. Researchers can calculate the bearing capacity of soil by
determining the limit of contact pressure between the soil and the material placed on
it.

These calculations and measurements are performed on projects involving bridge

foundations, retaining walls, dams and pipelines that run underground. They rely on
the physics of soil by studying the nature of the differences caused by pore water
pressure of the material underlying the foundation and the inter-granular effective
stress between the soil particles themselves. They also depend upon fluid mechanics
of the spaces between soil particles. This accounts for cracking, seepage and the
shear strength of the soil itself.

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The following sections go into greater detail on these calculations and their uses.

Formula for Bearing Capacity of Soil

Shallow foundations include strip footings, square footings and circular footings. The
depth is usually 3 meters and allow for cheaper, more feasible and more easily
transferable results.