BEARING CAPACITY AND SETTLEMENT CALCULATIONS

Calculations (for Square Foundations with B = 5 ft , L = 5 ft )

1
Design 1:

Using Meyerhoff’s equation for evaluation of bearing capacity, expressed

as.

𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = c𝑁𝑐s𝑐 d𝑐 + q Nq sq dq + 0.5𝛾 B' N𝛾 s𝛾 d𝛾……… eq. 1 for Vertical Load

Note: According to Soil profile we will use weaker soil layer under
Foundation so we will use
the following values of soil properties
Cohesion (Cu) = 700 lb/ft2

For factors Used in

Equation Table 4-3 and

4-4

2
Ref: Bowles, J. E., (1996). “Foundation Analysis and Design, (5th Edition)”, McGrawHill, New York. (Page: 222&
223)
For Shape, Depth and Inclination Factors

2
( ϕ
)
Kp= tan 45+ 2 .......................eq.2

2
(10
Kp= tan 45+ 2 )
=1.42

S𝑐=1+0.2Kp * B/L …………….eq.3

S𝑐=1+0.2*1.42 * 5/5
=1.28

Sq= S𝛾 =1+0.1Kp * B/L ……….eq.4

Sq= S𝛾 =1+0.1*1.42*5/5
=1.14

dc=1+0.2√ K p * D/B ……………eq.5

dc=1+0.2√ 1. 42 *5/5
=1.24

dq= d𝛾 =1+0.1√ K p * D/B ……..eq.6

=1+0.1√ 1. 42 *5/5
=1.12

BC Factors given in table 4-4 reference book by Bowles

πtanϕ ϕ
Nq=e tan2 (45+ )=2.47=2.5
2
Nc= (Nq -1)cot ϕ =8.34=8.34
N𝛾= (Nq -1) tan(1.4 ϕ ) =0.37=0.4

3
 Putting above values of factors in eq. 1.
𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = c𝑁𝑐s𝑐 dc + q Nq sq dq + 0.5𝛾 B' N𝛾 s𝛾 d𝛾 q= 𝛾D

𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = (700 ∗ 8.34*1.28*1.24) + (85 *5∗ 2.5*1.14*1.12) +(0.5*85*2.5*0.4*1.14*1.12)

𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = 10676.94 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2

q ult 10676.94
𝑞𝑎= F .O . S = 3

𝑞𝑎 = 3558.98 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2
Qall = qall x Af = 3558.98 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2 x 25𝑓𝑡2

= 88 974.5 lb

Calculations for Settlement (for Square / Isolated Foundations

with B = 5.0ft)

Using Timoshenko and Goodier (1951) Method for evaluation of distortion

settlement, expressed as;

Ref: Bowles, J. E., (1996). “Foundation Analysis and Design, (5th Edition)”, McGrawHill, New
York. (Page: 303)

2
1−μ
ΔH =q 0 B' m I s I f ……….eq. A
Es
1−2 μ
I s=I 1 + I ……………….eq.B
1−μ 2

4
For I 1 and I 2 we use Table 5-2 of Bowles
'
L
Where M= ' =1
B

H 5B
N= ' = =10 as H=5B according to Bowles 308 page
B B'
and B' =B/2

I 1=0.498

I 1=0.016

So

1−2∗0.3
I s=0.498+ 0.016
1−0.3
=0.507

5
I f = Use Figure 5-7 Graph as D/B=1
so I f =0.65

q 0=¿ 3558.98 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2

B'=B/2= 5/2= 2.5ft

m= 4

Poisson Ratio μ= 0.3 From Table 2-7

For E S

H = From Base to influence zone which is equal to 5B , 25ft

1= E5−10 = 807000𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2

2= E10−22=210000 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2

3= E22−25=624000 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2
H 1 E1 + H 2 E2 + H 3 3
E s ,av =
H

5∗807000+ 12∗210000+3∗624000
E s ,av =
20

=421350 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2
=421.35 Ksf

( 1 story component 10 000 ft2 ) Design load = 36955.00 lb

36 960 lb
= 1 478.4 lb/ft2
5 ft x 5 ft

6
 1478.4∗2.5∗1−0.32
Settlement= ΔH = ∗4∗0.507∗0.65
421350

ΔH = 0.01052 inch

( 2 story component 25 000 ft2 ) Design load = 79 747.16 lb

79747.16 lb
= 3189.9 lb/ft2
5 ft x 5 ft

3189.9∗2.5∗1−0.32
Settlement= ΔH = ∗4∗0.507∗0.65
421350

ΔH = 0.0227 inch

7
Design 2

8
 Calculations (for Square Foundations with B = 6 ft , L = 6 ft )

Using Meyerhoff’s equation for evaluation of bearing capacity, expressed as.

𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = c𝑁𝑐s𝑐 d𝑐 + q Nq sq dq +0.5 𝛾 B' N𝛾 s𝛾 d𝛾……… eq. 1 for Vertical Load

According to Soil profile we will use weaker soil layer under Foundation so we will use
the following values of soil properties
Cohesion (Cu) = 700 lb/ft2

Unit Weight () = 85 lb/ft3

For factors Used in Equation Table 4-3 and 4-4

Ref: Bowles, J. E., (1996). “Foundation Analysis and Design, (5th Edition)”, McGrawHill, New York. (Page: 222&
223)
For Shape, Depth and Inclination Factors

2
( ϕ
)
Kp= tan 45+ 2 .......................eq.2

2
(
Kp= tan 45+
10
2 )
=1.42
9
S𝑐=1+0.2Kp * B/L …………….eq.3
S𝑐=1+0.2*1.42 * 6/6
=1.28

Sq= S𝛾 =1+0.1Kp * B/L ……….eq.4

Sq= S𝛾 =1+0.1*1.42*6/6
=1.14

dc=1+0.2√ K p * D/B ……………eq.5

dc=1+0.2√ 1. 42 *5/6
=1.20

dq= d𝛾 =1+0.1√ K p * D/B ……..eq.6

=1+0.1√ 1. 42 *5/6
=1.10

BC Factors given in table 4-4 reference book by Bowles

πtanϕ ϕ
Nq=e tan 2 (45+ ) =2.47=2.5
2
Nc= (Nq -1)cot ϕ =8.34=8.34
N𝛾= (Nq -1) tan (1.4 ϕ ) =0.37=0.4

Putting above values of factors in eq. 1.

𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = c𝑁𝑐s𝑐 dc + q Nq sq dq + 0.5 𝛾 B' N𝛾 s𝛾 d𝛾 q= 𝛾D

𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = (700 ∗ 8.34*1.28*1.20) + (85 *5∗ 2.5*1.14*1.10)+(0.5*85*3*0.4*1.14*1.10)

𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = 10363.50 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2

q ult 103643.50
𝑞𝑎= F .O . S = 3

𝑞𝑎 = 3454.50 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2
Qall = qall x Af = 3454.50 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2 x 36𝑓𝑡2

= 124362.00 lb
10
 Calculations for Settlement (for Square / Isolated Foundations with B = 6.0ft)

Using Timoshenko and Goodier (1951) Method for evaluation of distortion settlement, expressed as;

Ref: Bowles, J. E., (1996). “Foundation Analysis and Design, (5th Edition)”, McGrawHill, New York. (Page: 303)

2
' 1−μ
ΔH =q 0 B m I s I f ……….eq. A
Es
1−2 μ
I s=I 1 + I ……………….eq.B
1−μ 2

For I 1 and I 2 we use Table 5-2 of Bowles

L'
Where M= ' =1
B

H 5B
N= ' = =10 as H=5B according to Bowles 308 page and B' =B/2
B B'

I 1=0.498

I 1=0.016

So

1−2∗0.3
I s=0.498+ 0.016
1−0.3
=0.507

11
I f = Use Figure 5-7 Graph as D/B=0.833
so I f =0.67

q 0=¿ 3454.50𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2

B'=B/2= 6/2= 3ft

m= 4

Poisson Ratio μ= 0.3 From Table 2-7

For E S

H = From Base to influence zone which is equal to 5B , 30ft

1= E5−10 = 807000𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2

2= E10−22=210000 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2

3= E22−30=624000 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2
H 1 E1 + H 2 E2 + H 3 3
E s ,av =
H

5∗807000+ 12∗210000+8∗624000
E s ,av =
25

=461880 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2
=461.88 Ksf

( 1 story component 10 000 ft2 ) Design load = 36955.00 lb

36 960 lb
6 ft x 6 ft
= 1 026.7 lb/ft2

12
 1026.7∗3∗1−0.32
Settlement= ΔH = ∗4∗0.507∗0.67
461880

ΔH = 0.00825 inch

( 2 story component 25 000 ft2 ) Design load = 79 747.16 lb

79747.16 lb
= 2 215.2 lb/ft2
6 ft x 6 ft

2
2215.2∗3∗1−0.3
Settlement= ΔH = ∗4∗0.507∗0.67
461880

ΔH = 0.01779 inch

13
Design 3

14
 Calculations (for Square Foundations with B = 7 ft , L = 7 ft )

Using Meyerhof’s equation for evaluation of bearing capacity, expressed as.

𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = c𝑁𝑐s𝑐 d𝑐 + q Nq sq dq + 0.5𝛾 B' N𝛾 s𝛾 d𝛾……… eq. 1 for Vertical Load

According to Soil profile we will use weaker soil layer under Foundation so we will use
the following values of soil properties
Cohesion (Cu) = 700 lb/ft2

Unit Weight () = 85 lb/ft3

For factors Used in Equation Table 4-3 and 4-4

Ref: Bowles, J. E., (1996). “Foundation Analysis and Design, (5th Edition)”, McGrawHill, New York. (Page: 222&
223)
For Shape, Depth and Inclination Factors

2
( ϕ
)
Kp= tan 45+ .......................eq.2
2

2
(
Kp= tan 45+
10
2 )
=1.42
15
S𝑐=1+0.2Kp * B/L …………….eq.3
S𝑐=1+0.2*1.42 * 7/7
=1.28

Sq= S𝛾 =1+0.1Kp * B/L ……….eq.4

Sq= S𝛾 =1+0.1*1.42*7/7
=1.14

dc=1+0.2√ K p * D/B ……………eq.5

dc=1+0.2√ 1. 42 *5/7
=1.17

dq= d𝛾 =1+0.1√ K p * D/B ……..eq.6

=1+0.1√ 1. 42 *5/7
=1.09

BC Factors given in table 4-4 reference book by Bowles

πtanϕ ϕ
Nq=e tan 2 (45+ ) =2.47=2.5
2
Nc= (Nq -1)cot ϕ =8.34=8.34
N𝛾= (Nq -1) tan (1.4 ϕ ) =0.37=0.4

Putting above values of factors in eq. 1.

𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = c𝑁𝑐s𝑐 dc + q Nq sq dq +0.5 𝛾 B' N𝛾 s𝛾 d𝛾 q= 𝛾D

𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = (700 ∗ 8.34*1.28*1.17) + (85 *5∗ 2.5*1.14*1.09)+(0.5*85*3.5*0.4*1.14*1.09)

𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = 10126.62 /𝑓𝑡2

q ult 10126.62
𝑞𝑎= F .O . S = 3

𝑞𝑎 = 3375.54 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2
Qall = qall x Af = 3375.54 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2 x 49𝑓𝑡2

= 165401.46.02 lb
16
 Calculations for Settlement (for Square / Isolated Foundations with B = 7.0ft)

Using Timoshenko and Goodier (1951) Method for evaluation of distortion settlement, expressed as;

Ref: Bowles, J. E., (1996). “Foundation Analysis and Design, (5th Edition)”, McGrawHill, New York. (Page: 303)

2
' 1−μ
ΔH =q 0 B m I s I f ……….eq. A
Es
1−2 μ
I s=I 1 + I ……………….eq.B
1−μ 2

For I 1 and I 2 we use Table 5-2 of Bowles

L'
Where M= ' =1
B

H 5B
N= ' = =10 as H=5B according to Bowles 308 page and B' =B/2
B B'

I 1=0.498

I 1=0.016

So

1−2∗0.3
I s=0.498+ 0.016
1−0.3
z =

17
18
I f = Use Figure 5-7 Graph as D/B=0.71
so I f =0.71

q 0=¿ 3375.54𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2

B'=B/2= 7/2= 3.5ft

m= 4

Poisson Ratio μ= 0.3 From Table 2-7

For E S

H = From Base to influence zone which is equal to 5B , 35ft

1= E5−10 = 807000𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2

2= E10−22=210000 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2

3= E22−35=624000 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2
H 1 E1 + H 2 E2 + H 3 3
E s ,av =
H

5∗807000+ 12∗210000+13∗624000
E s ,av =
30

=488900 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡2
=488.90 Ksf

( 1 story component 10 000 ft2 ) Design load = 36955.00 lb

36 960 lb
= 754.3 lb/ft2
7 ft x 7 ft

754.3∗3.5∗1−0.3 2
Settlement= ΔH = ∗4∗0.507∗0.71
488900

ΔH =0.00708 inch

( 2 story component 25 000 ft2 ) Design load = 79 747.16 lb

79747.16 lb
= 1627.5 lb/ft2
7 ft x 7 ft

1627.5∗3.5∗1−0.3 2
Settlement= ΔH = ∗4∗0.507∗0.71
488900

ΔH = 0.01527 inch
 COMPARISON ANALYSIS
BEARING CAPACITY
Bearing Capacity is the capacity of soil to support the loads applied to the ground. The bearing
capacity of soil is the maximum average contact pressure between the foundation and the soil
which should not produce shear failure in the soil. 
Ultimate bearing capacity is the theoretical maximum pressure which can be supported without
failure; allowable bearing capacity is the ultimate bearing capacity divided by a factor of safety.

1 & 2 Story-Component
Footing Ultimate Allowable Comparison Analysis
Size Bearing Capacity Bearing Capacity
ft x ft lb/ft2 lb/ft2 Maximum Actual/Ultimate bearing capacity is always
greater than maximum allowable bearing capacity.
     
With the increase in the size of the foundation, we
5x5 10676.95 3558.98 can see from the that the allowable bearing capacity
      starts to decrease.
Further below we compare the expected settlement
6x6 10363.5 3454.5
and actual settlement for the 3 design footings.
     

7x7 10126.62 3375.54

SETTLEMENT
The settlement of the foundation soil is a vertical displacement of the soil surface caused by the
building’s workload. When the soil is no longer able to bear the weight of the structure above
it, it will heave and cause movement in your foundation. While the allowable settlement is
defined as the acceptable amount of settlement of the structure, and it usually includes a factor
of safety. Allowable settlement is 65 mm = 2.55 inches

10 000ft2 1-storey component

Footing Expected Allowable Comparison Analysis
Size Settlement Settlement
ft x ft inches inches For all three different sizes of the foundation for
      1-storey building, the expected or actual
5x5 0.01052 2.55 settlement of the foundation is less than the
allowable settlement of the foundation, hence,
      all three sizes can be used, but as the dimension
6x6 0.00825 2.55 of the foundation increases, not only the cost of
      the concrete will be increased but also the
reinforcement will also be increased. Based on
7x7 0.00708 2.55 our cost analysis, we have concluded that the
5ft x 5ft design is our recommended design as it
is economical.

25 000 ft2 2-Storey component

Footing Expected Allowable Comparison Analysis
Size Settlement Settlement
ft x ft inches inches For all three different sizes of the foundation for 1-
storey building, the expected or actual settlement of
     
the foundation is less than the allowable settlement of
5x5 0.023 2.55 the foundation, hence, all three sizes can be used, but
      as the dimension of the foundation increases, not only
the cost of the concrete will be increased but also the
6x6 0.018 2.55 reinforcement will also be increased, from the table.
      Based on our cost analysis, we have concluded that
the 5ft x 5ft design is our recommended design as it is
7x7 0.015 2.55 economical.