The modulus of subgrade reaction ks is a function of the contact pressure and allowable settlement on an unit area of soil.

On the other hand, the safe bearing capacity is the maximum pressure which the soil can carry safely without risk of shear

Though, modulus of subgrade reaction and bearing pressure is related to each other, there is no reliable correlation betwe

However, J E Bowles has attempted to give a relationship which is:

k = 40 x SF x qa, where SF is factor of safety considered in bearing pressure calculation and qa is allowable soil bearing ca

So, you could employ the above equation in determining the Soil Subgrade Modulus.

For example, see Joseph E Bowles' Foundation analysis and design book's Table 9-1

Range of Ks in kN/M3

Loose sand 4800-16000

Med Dense Sand 9600-80000

Dense Sand 64000-128000

Clayey Med Dense Sand 32000-80000

Silty Medium Dense Sand 24000-48000

Clayey Soil:

qa<=200kPa - 12000-24000

200<Qa<800kPa - 24000-48000

Qa>800kPa - >48000

Hope that helps

ent on an unit area of soil. It is also known as Pressure per unit settlement.

afely without risk of shear failure. The unit for bearing capacity is KN/m2, whereas the unit for Subgrade modulus is kN/m3. As per Joseph

reliable correlation between modulus of subgrade reaction and soil bearing capacity because they are measurements of entirely different

s allowable soil bearing capacity.

dulus is kN/m3. As per Joseph Bowles the modulus of subgrade reaction is a conceptual relationship between soil pressure and deflection

urements of entirely different characteristics of a soil. The reason, soil and its properties vary from place to place, there is significant effec
en soil pressure and deflection.

place, there is significant effect on the type of soil in layers below etc.