Inputs
degrees
kPa (kN/m²)
kN/m³
m
m (or =B for square)
m
typical 2.5–3.0
m below ground (large = none)
kN/m³
Methods & assumptions
- Terzaghi (1943): qu = c·Nc·sc + q·Nq + 0.5·γ·B·Nγ·sγ. General shear failure assumed.
- Meyerhof (1963): qu = c·Nc·sc·dc + q·Nq·sq·dq + 0.5·γ·B·Nγ·sγ·dγ (vertical loading, level ground).
- Water table effects: full submergence below footing reduces γ to γ' = γ − γw.
- Allowable qa = qu / FS. Net qa,net = (qu − γDf)/FS.
- Use settlement check separately — bearing capacity alone may not control.
Results
Nc / Nq / Nγ—
Shape factors sc/sq/sγ—
Depth factors dc/dq/dγ—
Surcharge q = γ·Df—
Cohesion term—
Surcharge term—
Self-weight term—
Ultimate qult—
Allowable qa (gross)—
Allowable qa,net—