Calculation of Safe Bearing capacity (SBC) of soil on site

Why to calculate the Safe bearing capacity of soil before starting construction:
From the above figure, it is clear that the building is fallen in only one side. It occurred by the
settlements on one side of the building; due to this, the building overturned on one side but did
not collapse.
The Reason for this is the safe bearing capacity of the soil is enough at one part of the building,
but not the other part. It is recommended to check the SBC of soil at all footing positions to
overcome the Soil Liquefaction. Moreover, the perfect types of footings are chosen by checking
the Safe bearing capacity of the soil.

Safe Bearing Capacity of Soil:-

The first test, which should be performed before construction is the safe bearing capacity of the
soil. It’s a preliminary test which should be conducted before the construction of any structure
at the site.

Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Soil:-

The point at which soil starts displacing is called the Ultimate bearing capacity of the soil.

For Example: Take a rubberband and stretch it oppositely, Rubberband has an elastic property
which it can regain back to the original position. If u start stretching it more, it may break at a
certain point, that point is known as the Ultimate point of Rubber band where it loses its
elasticity and it won’t come back to its original position.

The same can be applied to the soil; Soil has an ultimate bearing capacity where it can bear the
load up to a certain point. After that point, Soil starts displacing (Settlements). That point is
called an Ultimate bearing capacity of the soil.
The ultimate bearing capacity of soil varies with the type of soil and the atmospheric
conditions.
Safe Bearing Capacity of Soil Testing Procedure:-
So many theories explained how to find the safe bearing capacity of the soil. Among them, the
Drop weight method is the easiest and reliable test on-site.
Drop weight method:-
This method is the field test for the Safe bearing capacity of the soil.
1. Firstly, excavate a pit of required depth. (preferably equal to the depth of foundation)
2. Take a square cube of known weight and dimensions.
3. Now drop the square-cube on the pit with a known height.
4. Measure the impression made on the pit by square cube using the scale. (For accurate
results, Drop the cube several times on the same pit and calculate the average depth of
Impressions “d”.)

Safe Bearing Capacity of Soil formula:-

Ultimate Bearing capacity = R= wh/d

 R = Ultimate resistance of soil (in Kg)

 d = Average depth of impression (in cm)
 w = weight of solid metal cube (in Kg)
 h = height of fall (in cm)
 A = X-section area of metal cube (in cm2)

Safe Bearing Capacity = R/A*FoS

The Factor of Safety (FoS) depends upon the
type of construction and it usually ranges
between 2 and 3. For High rise constructions,
we go with F.O.S = 3

Example:-
Weight of Cube w = 0.6Kg,
Height of fall h = 120cm
Depth of impression d = 0.8cm;
Cross Section Area (A) = 20cm2; Factor of Safety = 2
Ultimate Bearing Capacity [R] = [0.6 x 120]/0.8 = 90Kg
Safe Bearing Capacity of Soil = 90 / [20 x 2] = 2.25Kg/cm2
Safe bearing capacity (SBC) Values for different types of soils:-

Type of Soil SBC Value

Soft, Wet or Muddy Clay 0.5Kg/cm2

Black cotton soil 1.5Kg/cm2

Loose Gravel 2.5Kg/cm2

Compacted Clay 4.5Kg/cm2

Soft rocks 4.5Kg/cm2

Compacted gravel 4.5Kg/cm2

Hard rocks 33Kg/cm2

(Granite)

Coarse Sand 4.4Kg/cm2

Medium Sand 2.45Kg/cm2

Fine Sand 4.45Kg/cm2

These are probable values, which are only used only for preliminary design. An actual safe bearing
capacity of the soil is calculated by using IS mentioned Codes.