Lesson 1 Shallow Foundation-Bearing Capacity 2

T A N J U N G P U R A U N IV E R S IT Y
Civil Department Engineering Faculty
For foundations that exhibit the local shear failure mode in soils, Terzaghi
suggested the following modifications to Eqs. (2), (5) dan (6):
2 1
qu c Nc q Nq B N (strip foundation) (7)
3 2
qu 0.867 c Nc q Nq 0.4 B N (square foundation) (8)
qu 0.867 c Nc q Nq 0.3 B N (circular foundation) (9)
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Nc , Nq and N are the modified bearing capacity factors. They can be

calculated by using the bearing capacity factor equations (for Nc , Nq and
N) by replacing f by f = tan1 (2/3 tan f). The variation of Nc , Nq and
N with the soil friction angle, f, is given in Figure 11.

Table 3 Values of Nq [Eq. (10)]
Figure 11 Terzaghis modified bearing capacity factors: Nc , Nq and

N ; and Vesics Nq Eq. (10).

Based on the experience of several model tests, the Nq for shallow

foundations in granular soil is underestimated by Terzaghis modified
procedure.
It is better represented by the equation given by Vesic (1963) :
f

Nq e3.8f tanf tan2 45 (10)
2
The values of Nq as calculated from Eq. (10) are given in Table 3. For
comparison purposes, these values are also plotted in Figure 11.

1.2.2 Modification of Bearing Capacity Equations for Water Table
Equations (1) and (5) to (9) have been developed for the determination of
the ultimate bearing capacity based on the assumption that the water
table is located well below the foundation. However, if the water table is
close to the foundation, some modifications of the bearing capacity
equations will be necessary, depending on the location of the water table
(see Figure 12):

Figure 12 Modification of bearing capacity equations for water table

Case I: If the ground water table is located in such a way that 0 D1 Df,
then the factor q in the bearing capacity equations will take the form
q = effective surcharge = D1 + D2 (sat w) (11)
where sat = saturated unit weight of soil

w = unit weight of water
Also, the value of in the last term of the equations has to be replaced by
= sat w.

Case II: For ground water table located in such a way that 0 d B, the
factor
q = Df (12)
The factor in the last term of the bearing capacity equations must be
replaced by the factor
d
(13)
B
The preceding modifications are based on the assumption that there is

no seepage force in the soil.

Case III: When the ground water table is located such that d B, the
water will have no effect on the ultimate bearing capacity.

Example 1
A square foundation is 1.5 m x 1.5 m in plan. The soil supporting the

foundation has a friction angle of f = 20 and c = 15.2 kN/m2. The unit
weight of soil, , is 17.8 kN/m3. Determine the allowable gross load on the
foundation with a factor of safety (FS) of 4. Assume that the depth of the
foundation (Df) is 1 m and that general shear failure occurs in the soil.

Solution 1
From Eq. (5)
qu = 1.3 c Nc + q Nq + 0.4 B N
From Figure 10, for f = 20

Nc = 17.7
Nq = 7.4
N = 5
Thus
qu = (1.3)(15.2)(17.7) + (1 x 17.8)(7.4) + (0.4)(17.8)(1.5)(5)

= 349.75 + 131.72 + 53.4 = 534.87 535 kN/m2

So, allowable load per unit area of the foundation =
qall = qu/FS = 535/4 = 133.75 kN/m2
Thus, the total allowable gross load
Q = (133.75) B2 = (133.75)(1.5 x 1.5) = 300.9 300 kN

Example 2
Repeat Example 1, assuming that local shear failure occurs in the soil
supporting the foundation.

Solution 2
From Eq. (8)
qu = 0.867 c Nc + q Nq + 0.4 B N
From Figure 11, for f = 20

Nc = 12
Nq = 4
N = 1.7
So
qu = (0.867)(15.2)(12) + (1 x 17.8)(4) + (0.4)(17.8)(1.5)(1.7)

= 158.1 + 71.2 + 18.2 = 247.5 kN/m2

qall = 247.5/4 = 61.9 kN/m2
Allowable gross load = Q = (qall)(B2) = (61.9)(1.52) = 139 kN

1.2.3 General Bearing Capacity Equation
The ultimate bearing capacity equations presented in Eqs. (1), (5), and
(6) are for continuous, square, and circular foundations only. They do not
address the case of rectangular foundations (0 B/L 1). Also, the
equations do not take into account the shearing resistance along the
failure surface in soil located above the bottom of the foundation (portion
of the failure surface marked as GI and Hj in Figure 9).
In addition, the load on the foundation may be inclined. In order to take

all these shortcomings into account, the following form of general bearing
capacity equation has been suggested by Meyerhof (1963).

1
qu cNc Fcs Fcd Fci qNq Fqs Fqd Fqi BN Fs Fd Fi (14)
2
where c = cohesion
q = effective stress at the level of the bottom of
foundation
= unit weight of soil
B = width of foundation (= diameter for a circular
foundation)
Fcs, Fqs, Fs = shape factors
Fcd, Fqd, Fd = depth factors
Fci, Fqi, Fi = load inclination factors
Nc, Nq, N = bearing capacity factors
The shape, depth, and load inclination factors are empirical factors based
on experimental data.

Bearing Capacity Factors
Based on laboratory and field studies done on bearing capacity, it

appears now that the basic nature of the failure surface in soil as
suggested by Terzaghi is correct (Vesic, 1973). However, the angle a as
shown in Figure 9 is closer to 45 + f/2 instead of f. If this change is
accepted, the values of Nc, Nq, and N for a given soil friction angle will
also change from those given in Figure 10. Width a = 45 + f/2, the
relations for Nc and Nq can be derived as
f
Nq tan2 45 e tanf (15)
2

Nc Nq 1 cot f (16)
The equation for Nc given by Eq. (16) was originally derived by Prandtl
(1921), and the relation for Nq [Eq. (15)] was presented by Reissner
(1924). Caquot and Kerisel (1953) and Vesic (1973) have given the
relation for N as
N 2 Nq 1 tan f (17)
The variation of the preceding bearing capacity factors with soil friction
angles is given in Table 4.

Table 4 Bearing Capacity Factors*

Table 5 Relationships for N Frequently Referred to in Other Texts

and References
Eq. 15
Eq. 15

Shape, Depth, and Inclination Factors
The relationships for the shape factors, depth factors, and inclination
factors remommended for use in Table 6. Other relationships generally
found in many texts and references are shown in Table 7.

Table 6 Shape, Depth, and Inclination Factors

Recommended for Use

Table 7 Shape, Depth, and Inclination

Factors Recommended in Other Texts and
References

Net Ultimate Bearing Capacity
The net ultimate bearing capacity is defined as the ultimate pressure per
unit area of the foundation that can be supported by the soil in excess of
the pressure caused by the surrounding soil at the foundation level.
Assuming that the difference between the unit weight of concrete used in
the foundation and the unit weight of soil surrounding is negligible
qnet(u) = qu q (18)
where qnet(u) = net ultimate bearing capacity

General Comments
When the water table is present at or near the foundation, the factors q
and given in the general bearing capacity equation will need
modifications. The procedure for modifying them is the same as that
descibed in Section 1.2.2.
For undrained loading conditions (f = 0 concept) in clayey soils, the

general load bearing capacity equation [Eq. (14)] takes the form
(vertical load)
qu = c Nc Fcs Fcd + q (19)

Hence, the net ultimate bearing capacity is equal to (vertical load)
qnet(u) = qu q = c Nc Fcs Fcd (20)
Skempton (1951) has proposed the following equation for the net
ultimate bearing capacity for clayey soils (f = 0 condition), which is
similar to Eq. (20)
D B
qnet(u) 5c1 0.2 f 1 0.2 (21)
B L

Example 3
A square column foundation has to carry a gross allowable total load of

150 kN. The depth of the foundation is 0.7 m. The load is inclined at an
angle of 20 to the vertical (Figure 13). Determine the width of the
foundation, B. Use Eq. (14) and a factor of safety of 3.
Figure 13

Solution 3
With c = 0, the ultimate bearing capacity [Eq. (14)] becomes
qu = qNq Fqs Fqd Fqi + 0.5 BN Fs Fd Fi
q = (0.7)(18) = 12.6 kN/m2
= 18 kN/m3
From Table 4, for f = 30

Nq = 18.4
N = 22.4

From Table 6,
B
Fqs 1 tan f 1 0.577 1.577
L
B
Fs 1 0.4 0.6
L
Fqd 1 2 tan f 1 sinf

2 Df
1
0.2890.7 1 0.202
B B B
Fd 1

20
2 2

Fqi 1 1 0.605
90 90
2
20
2

Fi 1 1 0.11
f 30
0.202
qu (12.6)(18.4)(1.577)1 (0.605) (0.5)(18)(B)(22.4)(0.6)(1)(0.11)
B
44.68
212.2 13.3 B (a)
B

Thus
qu 14.89
qall 73.73 4.43 B (b)
3 B
Given Q = total allowable load = qall x B2 or
150
qall (c)
B2

Equating the right hand sides of Eqs. (b) and (c)
150 14.89
2
73.73 4.43 B
B B
By trial and error, B 1.3 m

1.2.4 The Factor of Safety
In the preceding problems, in order to calculate the gross allowable load-

bearing capacity of shallow foundations, a factor of safety (FS) has been
applied to the gross ultimate bearing capacity, that is
qall = qu/FS (22)
However, some practicing engineers prefer to use a factor of safety as
net stress increase on soil = net ultimate bearing capacity/FS

(23)

Net ultimate bearing capacity has been defined in Eq. (18) as
qnet(u) = qu q
Substituting this equation in Eq. (23), one obtains
net stress increase on soil

= load from the superstructure per unit area of the foundation
= qall(net) = (qu q)/FS (24)
The factor of safety as defined by Eq. (24) may be kept at least about 3
in all cases.

Another type of factor of safety for the bearing capacity of shallow

foundations is often used. This is the factor of safety with respect to
shear failure (FSshear). In most cases, a value of FSshear = 1.4 1.6 is
desirable along with a minimum factor of safety of 3 4 against gross or
net ultimate bearing capacity. In order to calculate the net allowable load
on the basis of a given FSshear, the following procedure should be
adopted:
1. Let c and f be the cohesion and the angle of friction of soil, and let
FSshear be the required factor of safety with respect to shear failure.
So, the developed cohesion and the angle of friction can be given as
c
cd (25)
FS shear

tan f
fd tan 1 (26)
shear
FS
2. The gross allowable bearing capacity can now be calculated

according to Eqs. (1), (5), (6) or the general bearing capacity equation
[Eq. (14)] using cd and fd as the shear strength parameters of the soil.
For example, the gross allowable bearing capacity of a continuous
foundation according to Terzaghis equation can be written as
1
qall c d Nc q Nq B N (27)
2
where Nc, Nq, and N = bearing capacity factors for friction angle, fd

3. The net allowable bearing capacity is thus
1
qnet(all) qall q c d Nc q Nq 1 B N (28)
2

Example 4
Refer to Example 1. Determine the net allowable load for the foundation
using the definition of factor of safety given by Eq. (24). Use FS = 4.

Solution 4
From Example 1
qu = 535 kN/m2
q = (1)(17.8) = 17.8 kN/m2
qnet(all) = (qu q)/FS = (535 17.8)/4 = 129.3 kN/m2
Hence
Qnet(all) = (129.3)(1.5)(1.5) 291 kN

Example 5
Refer to Example 1. Determine the net allowable load for the foundation
using a FSshear = 1.5.

Solution 5
Given c = 15.2 kN/m2 and f = 20,
cd = c/FSshear = 15.2/1.5 = 10.1 kN/m2
fd = tan1(tan f/FSshear) = tan1(tan 20/1.5) = 13.64
qall(net) = 1.3 cd Nc + q (Nq 1) + 0.4 B N
for f = 13.64, the values of the bearing capacity factors are as follows
(Figure 10):
N = 2 ; Nq = 3.8 ; Nc = 12

So
qall(net) = 1.3 (10.1) (12) + (17.8)(3.8 1) + 0.4 (17.8)(1.5)(2)
= 229.23 kN/m2
So
Qall(net) = (229.23)(1.5)(1.5) = 515.8 kN
Note: There appears to be a large discrepancy between the results of

Example 4 (or 1) and 5. By trial and error, it can be shown that when
FSshear is about 2, the results will be approximately equal.

Lesson 1 Shallow Foundation-Bearing Capacity 2

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T A N J U N G P U R A U N IV E R S IT Y

Civil Department Engineering Faculty

qu 0.867 c Nc q Nq 0.4 B N (square foundation) (8)

qu 0.867 c Nc q Nq 0.3 B N (circular foundation) (9)

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Nc , Nq and N are the modified bearing capacity factors. They can be

Jalan Ahmad Yani Pontianak - 78124 26

Table 3 Values of Nq [Eq. (10)]

Figure 11 Terzaghis modified bearing capacity factors: Nc , Nq and

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Based on the experience of several model tests, the Nq for shallow

It is better represented by the equation given by Vesic (1963) :

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1.2.2 Modification of Bearing Capacity Equations for Water Table

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Figure 12 Modification of bearing capacity equations for water table

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q = effective surcharge = D1 + D2 (sat w) (11)

where sat = saturated unit weight of soil

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The preceding modifications are based on the assumption that there is

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A square foundation is 1.5 m x 1.5 m in plan. The soil supporting the

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From Eq. (5)

From Figure 10, for f = 20

qu = (1.3)(15.2)(17.7) + (1 x 17.8)(7.4) + (0.4)(17.8)(1.5)(5)

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So, allowable load per unit area of the foundation =

qall = qu/FS = 535/4 = 133.75 kN/m2

Thus, the total allowable gross load

Q = (133.75) B2 = (133.75)(1.5 x 1.5) = 300.9 300 kN

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From Eq. (8)

From Figure 11, for f = 20

qu = (0.867)(15.2)(12) + (1 x 17.8)(4) + (0.4)(17.8)(1.5)(1.7)

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qall = 247.5/4 = 61.9 kN/m2

Allowable gross load = Q = (qall)(B2) = (61.9)(1.52) = 139 kN

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1.2.3 General Bearing Capacity Equation

In addition, the load on the foundation may be inclined. In order to take

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Bearing Capacity Factors

Based on laboratory and field studies done on bearing capacity, it

Jalan Ahmad Yani Pontianak - 78124 42

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Table 4 Bearing Capacity Factors*

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Table 5 Relationships for N Frequently Referred to in Other Texts

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Shape, Depth, and Inclination Factors

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Table 6 Shape, Depth, and Inclination Factors

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Table 7 Shape, Depth, and Inclination

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Net Ultimate Bearing Capacity

where qnet(u) = net ultimate bearing capacity

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