Allowable Bearing Capacity

- Allowable Bearing Capacity
Q
a
= Qu Q
a
= Allowable bearing capacity (kN/m
2)
or (lb/ft
2
)
F.S.
Where:
Q
u
= ultimate bearing capacity (kN/m
2
) or (lb/ft
2
) *See below for theory
F.S. = Factor of Safety *See information on factor of safety

Ultimate Bearing Capacity for Shallow Foundations

Terzaghi Ultimate Bearing Capacity Theory

Q
u
= c N
c
+ D N
q
+ 0.5 B N

= Ultimate bearing capacity equation for shallow strip footings, (kN/m
2
) (lb/ft
2
)
Q
u
= 1.3 c N
c
+ D N
q
+ 0.4 B N

= Ultimate bearing capacity equation for shallow square footings, (kN/m
2
) (lb/ft
2
)
Q
u
= 1.3 c N
c
+ D N
q
+ 0.3 B N

= Ultimate bearing capacity equation for shallow circular footings, (kN/m
2
) (lb/ft
2
)
Where:
c = Cohesion of soil (kN/m
2
) (lb/ft
2
),
= effective unit weight of soil (kN/m
3
) (lb/ft
3
), *see note below
D = depth of footing (m) (ft),
B = width of footing (m) (ft),
N
c
=cot|(N
q
1), *see typical bearing capacity factors
N
q
=e
2
(3t/4-|/2)tan| / [2 cos2(45+|/2)], *see typical bearing capacity factors
N
=(1/2) tan|(k
p
/cos
2
| - 1), *see typical bearing capacity factors
e = Napier's constant = 2.718...,
k
p
= passive pressure coefficient, and
| = angle of internal friction (degrees).
Notes:
Effective unit weight, , is the unit weight of the soil for soils above the water table and capillary rise. For saturated
soils, the effective unit weight is the unit weight of water,
w
, 9.81 kN/m
3
(62.4 lb/ft
3
), subtracted from the saturated
unit weight of soil. Find more information in the foundations section.

Meyerhof Bearing Capacity Theory Based on Standard Penetration Test Values
Q
u
= 31.417(NB + ND) (kN/m
2
) (metric)
Q
u
= NB + ND (tons/ft
2
) (standard)
10 10
For footing widths of 1.2 meters (4 feet) or less
Q
a
= 11,970N (kN/m
2
) (metric)

Q
a
= 1.25N (tons/ft
2
) (standard)
10
For footing widths of 3 meters (10 feet) or more
Q
a
= 9,576N (kN/m
2
) (metric)

Q
a
= N (tons/ft
2
) (standard)
10

Where:
N = N value derived from Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
D = depth of footing (m) (ft), and
B = width of footing (m) (ft).
Note: All Meyerhof equations are for foundations bearing on clean sands. The first equation is for ultimate bearing
capacity, while the second two are factored within the equation in order to provide an allowable bearing capacity.
Linear interpolation can be performed for footing widths between 1.2 meters (4 feet) and 3 meters (10 feet). Meyerhof
equations are based on limiting total settlement to 25 cm (1 inch), and differential settlement to 19 cm (3/4 inch).

Ultimate Bearing Capacity for Deep Foundations (Pile)

Q
ult
= Q
p
+ Q
f

Where:
Q
ult
= Ultimate bearing capacity of pile, kN (lb)
Q
p
= Theoretical bearing capacity for tip of foundation, or end bearing, kN (lb)
Q
f
= Theoretical bearing capacity due to shaft friction, or adhesion between foundation shaft and soil, kN (lb)

End Bearing (Tip) Capacity of Pile Foundation
Q
p
= A
p
q
p

Where:
Q
p
A
p
= Effective area of the tip of the pile, m
2
(ft
2
)
For a circular closed end pile or circular plugged pile; A
p
= t(B/2)
2
m
2
(ft
2
)
q
p
= DN
q

= Theoretical unit tip-bearing capacity for cohesionless and silt soils, kN/m
2
(lb/ft
2
)
q
p
= 9c
= Theoretical unit tip-bearing capacity for cohesive soils, kN/m
2
(lb/ft
2
)
= effective unit weight of soil, kN/m
3
(lb/ft
3
), *See notes below
D = Effective depth of pile, m (ft), where D < D
c
,
N
q
= Bearing capacity factor for piles,
c = cohesion of soil, kN/m
2
(lb/ft
2
),
B = diameter of pile, m (ft), and
D
c
= critical depth for piles in loose silts or sands m (ft).
D
c
= 10B, for loose silts and sands
D
c
= 15B, for medium dense silts and sands
D
c
= 20B, for dense silts and sands

Skin (Shaft) Friction Capacity of Pile Foundation
Q
f
= A
f
q
f
for one homogeneous layer of soil
Q
f
= pEq
f
L for multi-layers of soil
Where:
Q
f
A
f
= pL; Effective surface area of the pile shaft, m
2
(ft
2
)
q
f
= ko tan o = Theoretical unit friction capacity for cohesionless soils, kN/m
2
(lb/ft
2
)
q
f
= c
A
+ ko tan o = Theoretical unit friction capacity for silts, kN/m
2
(lb/ft
2
)
q
f
= oS
u
= Theoretical unit friction capacity for cohesive soils, kN/m
2
(lb/ft
2
)
p = perimeter of pile cross-section, m (ft)
for a circular pile; p = 2t(B/2)
for a square pile; p = 4B
L = Effective length of pile, m (ft) *See Notes below
o = 1 - 0.1(S
uc
)
2
= adhesion factor, kN/m
2
(ksf), where S
uc
< 48 kN/m
2
(1 ksf)
o = 1 [0.9 + 0.3(S
uc
- 1)] kN/m
2
, (ksf) where S
uc
> 48 kN/m
2
, (1 ksf)
S
uc

S
uc
= 2c = Unconfined compressive strength , kN/m
2
(lb/ft
2
)
c
A
= adhesion
= c for rough concrete, rusty steel, corrugated metal
0.8c < c
A
< c for smooth concrete
0.5c < c
A
< 0.9c for clean steel
2
(lb/ft
2
)
o = external friction angle of soil and wall contact (deg)
| = angle of internal friction (deg)
o = D = effective overburden pressure, kN/m
2
, (lb/ft
2
)
k = lateral earth pressure coefficient for piles
3
(lb/ft
3
) *See notes below
B = diameter or width of pile, m (ft)
c

D
c
D
c
D
c
D
c
E = summation of differing soil layers (i.e. a
1
+ a
2
+ .... + a
n
)

Notes: Determining effective length requires engineering judgment. The effective length can be the pile depth minus
any disturbed surface soils, soft/ loose soils, or seasonal variation. The effective length may also be the length of a pile
segment within a single soil layer of a multi layered soil. Effective unit weight, , is the unit weight of the soil for soils
above the water table and capillary rise. For saturated soils, the effective unit weight is the unit weight of water,
w
,
9.81 kN/m
3
(62.4 lb/ft
3
), subtracted from the saturated unit weight of soil.
************
Meyerhof Method for Determining qp and qf in Sand
Theoretical unit tip-bearing capacity for driven piles in sand, when D > 10:
B
q
p
= 4N
c
tons/ft
2
standard
Theoretical unit tip-bearing capacity for drilled piles in sand:

q
p
= 1.2N
c
tons/ft
2
standard
Theoretical unit friction-bearing capacity for driven piles in sand:

q
f
= N tons/ft
2
standard
50
Theoretical unit friction-bearing capacity for drilled piles in sand:

q
f
= N tons/ft
2
standard
100
Where:
D = pile embedment depth, ft
B = pile diameter, ft
N
c
= C
n
(N)
C
n
= 0.77 log 20
o
N = N-Value from SPT test
o = D = effective overburden stress at pile embedment depth, tons/ft
2

= ( -
w
)D = effective stress if below water table, tons/ft
2

= effective unit weight of soil, tons/ft
3

w
= 0.0312 tons/ft
3
= unit weight of water

Examples for determining allowable bearing capacity

Example #1: Determine allowable bearing capacity and width for a shallow strip footing on cohesionless silty sand and
gravel soil. Loose soils were encountered in the upper 0.6 m (2 feet) of building subgrade. Footing must withstand a 144
kN/m
2
(3000 lb/ft
2
) building pressure.
Given
- bearing pressure from building = 144 kN/m
2 (
3000 lbs/ft
2
)
- unit weight of soil, = 21 kN/m
3
(132 lbs/ft
3
) *from soil testing, see typical values
- Cohesion, c = 0 *from soil testing, see typical cvalues
- angle of Internal Friction, | = 32 degrees *from soil testing, see typical | values
- footing depth, D = 0.6 m (2 ft) *because loose soils in upper soil strata

Solution
Try a minimal footing width, B = 0.3 m (B = 1 foot).
Use a factor of safety, F.S = 3. Three is typical for this type of application. See factor of safety for more information.
Determine bearing capacity factors N
, N
c
and N
q
. See typical bearing capacity factors relating to the soils' angle of internal
friction.
- N
= 22
- N
c
= 35.5
- N
q
= 23.2
Solve for ultimate bearing capacity,
Q
u
= c N
c
+ D N
q
+ 0.5 B N
*strip footing eq.

Q
u
= 0(35.5) + 21 kN/m
3
(0.6m)(23.2) + 0.5(21 kN/m
3
)(0.3 m)(22) metric
Q
u
= 362 kN/m
2

Q
u
= 0(35.5) + 132lbs/ft
3
(2ft)(23.2) + 0.5(132lbs/ft
3
)(1ft)(22) standard
Q
u
= 7577 lbs/ft
2

Solve for allowable bearing capacity,
Q
a
= Qu
F.S.
Q
a
= 362 kN/m
2
= 121 kN/m
2
not o.k. metric
3
Q
a
= 7577lbs/ft
2
= 2526 lbs/ft
2
not o.k. standard
3
Since Q
a
< required 144 kN/m
2
(3000 lbs/ft
2
) bearing pressure, increase footing width, B or foundation depth, D to increase
bearing capacity.
Try footing width, B = 0.61 m (B = 2 ft).
Q
u
= 0 + 21 kN/m
3
(0.61 m)(23.2) + 0.5(21 kN/m
3
)(0.61 m)(22) metric
Q
u
= 438 kN/m
2

Q
u
= 0 + 132 lbs/ft
3
(2 ft)(23.2) + 0.5(132 lbs/ft
3
)(2 ft)(22) standard
Q
u
= 9029 lbs/ft
2

Q
a
= 438 kN/m
2
= 146 kN/m
2
Q
a
> 144 kN/m
2
o.k. metric
3
Q
a
= 9029 lbs/ft
2
= 3010 lbs/ft
2
Q
a
> 3000 lbs/ft
2
o.k. standard
3
Conclusion
Footing shall be 0.61 meters (2 feet) wide at a depth of 0.61 meters (2 feet) below ground surface. Many engineers neglect the
depth factor (i.e. D N
q
= 0) for shallow foundations. This inherently increases the factor of safety. Some site conditions that may
negatively effect the depth factor are foundations established at depths equal to or less than 0.3 meters (1 feet) below the ground
surface, placement of foundations on fill, and disturbed/ fill soils located above or to the sides of foundations.
********************************

Example #2: Determine allowable bearing capacity of a shallow, 0.3 meter (12-inch) square isolated footing bearing on
saturated cohesive soil. The frost penetration depth is 0.61 meter (2 feet). Structural parameters require the foundation to
withstand 4.4 kN (1000 lbs) of force on a 0.3 meter (12-inch) square column.
Given
- bearing pressure from building column = 4.4 kN/ (0.3 m x 0.3 m) = 48.9 kN/m
2

- bearing pressure from building column = 1000 lbs/ (1 ft x 1 ft) = 1000 lbs/ft
2

- unit weight of saturated soil,
sat
= 20.3 kN/m
3
(129 lbs/ft
3
) *see typical values
- unit weight of water,
w
= 9.81 kN/m
3
(62.4 lbs/ft
3
) *constant
- Cohesion, c = 21.1 kN/m
2
(440 lbs/ft
2
) *from soil testing, see typical cvalues
- footing width, B = 0.3 m (1 ft)

Solution
Try a footing depth, D = 0.61 meters (2 feet), because foundation should be below frost depth.
Use a factor of safety, F.S = 3. See factor of safety for more information.
, N
c
and N
q
friction.
- N
= 0
- N
c
= 5.7
- N
q
= 1
Q
u
= 1.3c N
c
+ D N
q
+ 0.4 B N
*square footing eq.

Q
u
=1.3(21.1kN/m
2
)5.7+(20.3kN/m
3
-9.81kN/m
3
)(0.61m)1+0.4(20.3kN/m
3
-9.81kN/m
3
)(0.3m)0
Q
u
= 163 kN/m
2
metric
Q
u
= 1.3(440lbs/ft
2
)(5.7) + (129lbs/ft
3
- 62.4lbs/ft
3
)(2ft)(1) + 0.4(129lbs/ft
3
- 62.4lbs/ft
3
)(1ft)(0)
Q
u
= 3394 lbs/ft
2
standard
Q
a
= Qu
F.S.
Q
a
= 163 kN/m
2
= 54 kN/m
2
Q
a
> 48.9 kN/m
2
o.k. metric
3
Q
a
= 3394lbs/ft
2
= 1130 lbs/ft
2
Q
a
> 1000 lbs/ft
2
o.k. standard
3
Conclusion
The 0.3 meter (12-inch) isolated square footing shall be 0.61 meters (2 feet) below the ground surface. Other considerations may
be required for foundations bearing on moisture sensitive clays, especially for lightly loaded structures such as in this example.
Sensitive clays could expand and contract, which could cause structural damage. Clay used as bearing soils may require
mitigation such as heavier loads, subgrade removal and replacement below the foundation, or moisture control within the
subgrade.
********************************

Example #3: Determine allowable bearing capacity and width for a foundation using the Meyerhof Method. Soils consist
of poorly graded sand. Footing must withstand a 144 kN/m
2
(1.5 tons/ft
2
Given
2 (
1.5 tons/ft
2
)
- N Value, N = 10 at 0.3 m (1 ft) depth *from SPT soil testing
Solution
Try a minimal footing width, B = 0.3 m (B = 1 foot) at a depth, D = 0.61 meter (2 feet). Footings for single family residences are
typically 0.3m (1 ft) to 0.61m (2ft) wide. This depth was selected because soil density greatly increases (i.e. higher N-value) at a
depth of 0.61 m (2 ft).
Solve for ultimate bearing capacity
Q
u
= 31.417(NB + ND) (kN/m
2
) (metric)
Q
u
= NB + ND (tons/ft
2
) (standard)
10 10
Q
u
= 31.417(36(0.3m) + 36(0.61m)) = 1029 kN/m
2
(metric)
Q
u
= 36(1 ft) + 36(2 ft) = 10.8 tons/ft
2
(standard)
10 10
Q
a
= Qu
F.S.
Q
a
= 1029 kN/m
2
= 343 kN/m
2
Q
a
> 144 kN/m
2
o.k. (metric)
3
Q
a
= 10.8 tons/ft
2
= 3.6 tons/ft
2
Q
a
> 1.5 tons/ft
2
o.k. (standard)
3
Conclusion
Footing shall be 0.3 meters (1 feet) wide at a depth of 0.61 meters (2 feet) below the ground surface. A footing width of only 0.3
m (1 ft) is most likely insufficient for the structural engineer when designing the footing with the building pressure in this
problem.
********************************

Example #4: Determine allowable bearing capacity and diameter of a single driven pile. Pile must withstand a 66.7 kN (15
kips) vertical load.
Given
- vertical column load = 66.7 kN (15 kips or 15,000 lb)
- homogeneous soils in upper 15.2 m (50 ft); silty soil
o unit weight, = 19.6 kN/m
3
(125 lbs/ft
3
o cohesion, c = 47.9 kN/m
2
(1000 lb/ft
2
o angle of internal friction, | = 30 degrees *from soil testing, see typical | values
- Pile Information
o driven
o steel
o plugged end

Solution
Try a pile depth, D = 1.5 meters (5 feet)
Try pile diameter, B = 0.61 m (2 ft)
Use a factor of safety, F.S = 3. Smaller factors of safety are sometimes used if piles are load tested, or the engineer has sufficient
experience with the regional soils.
Determine ultimate end bearing of pile,
Q
p
= A
p
q
p

A
p
= t(B/2)
2
=t(0.61m/2)
2
= 0.292 m
2
metric
A
p
= t(B/2)
2
= t(2ft/2)
2
= 3.14 ft
2
standard
q
p
= DN
q

= 19.6 kN/m
3
(125 lbs/ft
3
); given soil unit weight
| = 30 degrees; given soil angle of internal friction
B = 0.61 m (2 ft); trial pile width
D = 1.5 m (5 ft); trial depth, may need to increase or decrease depending on capacity
check to see if D < D
c

Dc = 15B = 9.2 m (30 ft); critical depth for medium dense silts.
If D > D
c
, then use D
c

N
q
= 25; Meyerhof bearing capacity factor for driven piles, based on |
q
p
= 19.6 kN/m
3
(1.5 m)25 = 735 kN/m
2
metric
q
p
= 125 lb/ft
3
(5 ft)25 = 15,625 lb/ft
2
standard

Q
p
= A
p
q
p
= (0.292 m
2
)(735 kN/m
2
) = 214.6 kN metric
Q
p
= A
p
q
p
= (3.14 ft
2
)(15,625 lb/ft
2
) = 49,063 lb standard

Determine ultimate friction capacity of pile,
Q
f
= A
f
q
f

A
f
= pL
p = 2t(0.61m/2) = 1.92 m metric
p = 2t(2 ft/2) = 6.28 ft standard
L = D = 1.5 m (5 ft); length and depth used interchangeably. check D
c
as above
A
f
= 1.92 m(1.5 m) = 2.88 m
2
metric
A
f
= 6.28 ft(5 ft) = 31.4 ft
2
standard
q
f
= c
A
+ ko tan o = c
A
+ kD tan o
k = 0.5; lateral earth pressure coefficient for piles, value chosen from Broms low density steel
= 19.6 kN/m
3
(125 lb/ft
3
); given effective soil unit weight. If water table, then -
w

D = L = 1.5 m (5 ft); pile length. Check to see if D < D
c

Dc = 15B = 9.2 m (30 ft); critical depth for medium dense silts. If D > D
c
, then use D
c

o = 20 deg; external friction angle, equation chosen from Broms steel piles
B = 0.61 m (2 ft); selected pile diameter
c
A
= 0.5c; for clean steel. See adhesion in pile theories above.
= 24 kN/m
2
(500 lb/ft
2
)
q
f
= 24 kN/m
2
+ 0.5(19.6 kN/m
3
)(1.5m)tan 20 = 29.4 kN/m
2
metric
q
f
= 500 lb/ft
2
+ 0.5(125 lb/ft
3
)(5ft)tan 20 = 614 lb/ft
2
standard
Q
f
= A
f
q
f
= 2.88 m
2
(29.4 kN/m
2
) = 84.7 kN metric
Q
f
= A
f
q
f
= 31.4 ft
2
(614 lb/ft
2

Determine ultimate pile capacity,
Q
ult
= Q
p
+ Q
f

Q
ult
= 214.6 kN + 84.7 kN = 299.3 kN metric
Q
ult
= 49,063 lb + 19,280 lb = 68,343 lb standard

Q
a
= Qult
F.S.
Q
a
= 299.3 kN = 99.8 kN; Q
a
> applied load (66.7 kN) o.k. metric
3
Q
a
= 68,343 lbs = 22,781 lbs Q
a
> applied load (15 kips) o.k. standard
3

Conclusion
A 0.61 m (2 ft) steel pile shall be plugged and driven 1.5 m (5 feet) below the ground surface. Many engineers neglect the skin
friction within the upper 1 to 5 feet of subgrade due to seasonal variations or soil disturbance. Seasonal variations may include
freeze/ thaw or effects from water. The end bearing alone (neglect skin friction) is sufficient for this case. Typical methods for
increasing the pile capacity are increasing the pile diameter or increasing the embedment depth of the pile.
********************************

Given
- upper 1.5 m (5 ft) of soil is a medium dense gravelly sand
3
(125 lbs/ft
3
o cohesion, c = 0 *from soil testing, see typical cvalues
- soils below 1.5 m (5 ft) of soil is a stiff silty clay
3
(120 lbs/ft
3
)
2
(1000 lb/ft
2
)
o angle of internal friction, | = 0 degrees
- Pile Information
o driven
o wood
o closed end

Solution
Q
p
= A
p
q
p

A
p
= t(B/2)
2
=t(0.61m/2)
2
= 0.292 m
2
metric
A
p
= t(B/2)
2
= t(2ft/2)
2
= 3.14 ft
2
standard

q
p
= 9c = 9(47.9 kN/m
2
) = 431.1 kN/m
2
metric
q
p
= 9c = 9(1000 lb/ft
2
) = 9000 lb/ft
2
standard

Q
p
= A
p
q
p
= (0.292 m
2
)(431.1 kN/m
2
) = 125.9 kN metric
Q
p
= A
p
q
p
= (3.14 ft
2
)(9000 lb/ft
2

Q
f
= pEq
f
L
p = 2t(0.61m/2) = 1.92 m metric

upper 1.5 m (5 ft) of soil
q
f
L = [ko tan o]L = [kD tan o]L
k = 1.5; lateral earth pressure coefficient for piles, value chosen from Broms low density timber
= 19.6 kN/m
3
(125 lb/ft
3
w

D = L = 1.5 m (5 ft); segment of pile within this soil strata. Check to see if D < D
c

D
c
= 15B = 9.2 m (30 ft); critical depth for medium dense sands. This assumption is conservative, because the soil is gravelly,
and this much soil unit weight for a sand would indicate dense soils. If D > D
c
, then use D
c

o = |(2/3) = 20 deg; external friction angle, equation chosen from Broms timber piles
| = 30 deg; given soil angle of internal friction
q
f
L = [1.5(19.6 kN/m
3
)(1.5m)tan (20)]1.5 m = 24.1 kN/m metric
q
f
L = [1.5(125 lb/ft
3
)(5ft)tan (20)]5 ft = 1706 lb/ft standard

soils below 1.5 m (5 ft) of subgrade
q
f
L = oS
u

S
uc
= 2c = 95.8 kN/m
2
(2000 lb/ft
2
); unconfined compressive strength
c = 47.9 kN/m
2
(1000 lb/ft
2
); cohesion from soil testing (given)
o = 1 [0.9 + 0.3(S
uc
- 1)] = 0.3; because S
uc
> 48 kN/m
2
, (1 ksf)
S
uc

L = 0.91 m (3 ft); segment of pile within this soil strata
q
f
L = [0.3(95.8 kN/m
2
)]0.91 m = 26.2 kN/m metric
q
f
L = [0.3(2000 lb/ft
2
)]3 ft = 1800 lb/ft standard

ultimate friction capacity of combined soil layers
Q
f
= pEq
f
L
Q
f
= 1.92 m(24.1 kN/m + 26.2 kN/m) = 96.6 kN metric
Q
f
= 6.28 ft(1706 lb/ft + 1800 lb/ft) = 22,018 lb standard

Q
ult
= Q
p
+ Q
f

Q
ult
= 125.9 kN + 96.6 kN = 222.5 kN metric
Q
ult
= 28,260 lb + 22,018 lb = 50,278 lb standard

Q
a
= Qult
F.S.
Q
a
= 222.5 kN = 74.2 kN; Q
a
3
Q
a
= 50,275 lbs = 16,758 lbs Q
a
3

Conclusion
Wood pile shall be driven 8 feet below the ground surface. Many engineers neglect the skin friction within the upper 1 to 5 feet
of subgrade due to seasonal variations or soil disturbance. Seasonal variations may include freeze/ thaw or effects from water.
Notice how the soil properties within the pile tip location is used in the end bearing calculations. End bearing should also
consider the soil layer(s) directly beneath this layer. Engineering judgment or a change in design is warranted if subsequent soil
layers are weaker than the soils within the vicinity of the pile tip. Typical methods for increasing the pile capacity are increasing
the pile diameter or increasing the embedment depth of the pile.
- Allowable Bearing Capacity

Q
a
= Qu Q
a
= Allowable bearing capacity (kN/m
2)
or (lb/ft
2
)
F.S.
Where:
Q
u
= ultimate bearing capacity (kN/m
2
) or (lb/ft
2
) *See below for theory
F.S. = Factor of Safety *See information on factor of safety

Ultimate Bearing Capacity for Shallow Foundations

Terzaghi Ultimate Bearing Capacity Theory

Q
u
= c N
c
+ D N
q
+ 0.5 B N

= Ultimate bearing capacity equation for shallow strip footings, (kN/m
2
) (lb/ft
2
)
Q
u
= 1.3 c N
c
+ D N
q
+ 0.4 B N

= Ultimate bearing capacity equation for shallow square footings, (kN/m
2
) (lb/ft
2
)
Q
u
= 1.3 c N
c
+ D N
q
+ 0.3 B N

= Ultimate bearing capacity equation for shallow circular footings, (kN/m
2
) (lb/ft
2
)
Where:
c = Cohesion of soil (kN/m
2
) (lb/ft
2
),
= effective unit weight of soil (kN/m
3
) (lb/ft
3
), *see note below
D = depth of footing (m) (ft),
B = width of footing (m) (ft),
N
c
=cot|(N
q
1), *see typical bearing capacity factors
N
q
=e
2
(3t/4-|/2)tan| / [2 cos2(45+|/2)], *see typical bearing capacity factors
N
=(1/2) tan|(k
p
/cos
2
| - 1), *see typical bearing capacity factors
e = Napier's constant = 2.718...,
k
p
= passive pressure coefficient, and
| = angle of internal friction (degrees).
Notes:
Effective unit weight, , is the unit weight of the soil for soils above the water table and capillary rise. For saturated
soils, the effective unit weight is the unit weight of water,
w
, 9.81 kN/m
3
(62.4 lb/ft
3
), subtracted from the saturated
unit weight of soil. Find more information in the foundations section.

Meyerhof Bearing Capacity Theory Based on Standard Penetration Test Values
Q
u
= 31.417(NB + ND) (kN/m
2
) (metric)
Q
u
= NB + ND (tons/ft
2
) (standard)
10 10
For footing widths of 1.2 meters (4 feet) or less
Q
a
= 11,970N (kN/m
2
) (metric)

Q
a
= 1.25N (tons/ft
2
) (standard)
10
For footing widths of 3 meters (10 feet) or more
Q
a
= 9,576N (kN/m
2
) (metric)

Q
a
= N (tons/ft
2
) (standard)
10

Where:
N = N value derived from Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
D = depth of footing (m) (ft), and
B = width of footing (m) (ft).
Note: All Meyerhof equations are for foundations bearing on clean sands. The first equation is for ultimate bearing
capacity, while the second two are factored within the equation in order to provide an allowable bearing capacity.
Linear interpolation can be performed for footing widths between 1.2 meters (4 feet) and 3 meters (10 feet). Meyerhof
equations are based on limiting total settlement to 25 cm (1 inch), and differential settlement to 19 cm (3/4 inch).

Ultimate Bearing Capacity for Deep Foundations (Pile)

Q
ult
= Q
p
+ Q
f

Where:
Q
ult
= Ultimate bearing capacity of pile, kN (lb)
Q
p
Q
f

End Bearing (Tip) Capacity of Pile Foundation
Q
p
= A
p
q
p

Where:
Q
p
A
p
= Effective area of the tip of the pile, m
2
(ft
2
)
For a circular closed end pile or circular plugged pile; A
p
= t(B/2)
2
m
2
(ft
2
)
q
p
= DN
q

= Theoretical unit tip-bearing capacity for cohesionless and silt soils, kN/m
2
(lb/ft
2
)
q
p
= 9c
= Theoretical unit tip-bearing capacity for cohesive soils, kN/m
2
(lb/ft
2
)
3
(lb/ft
3
), *See notes below
c
,
N
q
= Bearing capacity factor for piles,
2
(lb/ft
2
),
B = diameter of pile, m (ft), and
D
c
D
c
D
c
D
c

Skin (Shaft) Friction Capacity of Pile Foundation
Q
f
= A
f
q
f
for one homogeneous layer of soil
Q
f
= pEq
f
L for multi-layers of soil
Where:
Q
f
A
f
= pL; Effective surface area of the pile shaft, m
2
(ft
2
)
q
f
= ko tan o = Theoretical unit friction capacity for cohesionless soils, kN/m
2
(lb/ft
2
)
q
f
= c
A
+ ko tan o = Theoretical unit friction capacity for silts, kN/m
2
(lb/ft
2
)
q
f
= oS
u
= Theoretical unit friction capacity for cohesive soils, kN/m
2
(lb/ft
2
)
p = perimeter of pile cross-section, m (ft)
for a circular pile; p = 2t(B/2)
for a square pile; p = 4B
L = Effective length of pile, m (ft) *See Notes below
o = 1 - 0.1(S
uc
)
2
= adhesion factor, kN/m
2
(ksf), where S
uc
< 48 kN/m
2
(1 ksf)
o = 1 [0.9 + 0.3(S
uc
- 1)] kN/m
2
, (ksf) where S
uc
> 48 kN/m
2
, (1 ksf)
S
uc

S
uc
= 2c = Unconfined compressive strength , kN/m
2
(lb/ft
2
)
c
A
= adhesion
= c for rough concrete, rusty steel, corrugated metal
0.8c < c
A
< c for smooth concrete
0.5c < c
A
< 0.9c for clean steel
2
(lb/ft
2
)
o = external friction angle of soil and wall contact (deg)
| = angle of internal friction (deg)
o = D = effective overburden pressure, kN/m
2
, (lb/ft
2
)
k = lateral earth pressure coefficient for piles
3
(lb/ft
3
) *See notes below
B = diameter or width of pile, m (ft)
c

D
c
D
c
D
c
D
c
E = summation of differing soil layers (i.e. a
1
+ a
2
+ .... + a
n
)

Notes: Determining effective length requires engineering judgment. The effective length can be the pile depth minus
any disturbed surface soils, soft/ loose soils, or seasonal variation. The effective length may also be the length of a pile
segment within a single soil layer of a multi layered soil. Effective unit weight, , is the unit weight of the soil for soils
above the water table and capillary rise. For saturated soils, the effective unit weight is the unit weight of water,
w
,
9.81 kN/m
3
(62.4 lb/ft
3
), subtracted from the saturated unit weight of soil.
************
Meyerhof Method for Determining qp and qf in Sand
Theoretical unit tip-bearing capacity for driven piles in sand, when D > 10:
B
q
p
= 4N
c
tons/ft
2
standard
Theoretical unit tip-bearing capacity for drilled piles in sand:

q
p
= 1.2N
c
tons/ft
2
standard
Theoretical unit friction-bearing capacity for driven piles in sand:

q
f
= N tons/ft
2
standard
50
Theoretical unit friction-bearing capacity for drilled piles in sand:

q
f
= N tons/ft
2
standard
100
Where:
D = pile embedment depth, ft
B = pile diameter, ft
N
c
= C
n
(N)
C
n
= 0.77 log 20
o
N = N-Value from SPT test
o = D = effective overburden stress at pile embedment depth, tons/ft
2

= ( -
w
)D = effective stress if below water table, tons/ft
2

= effective unit weight of soil, tons/ft
3

w
= 0.0312 tons/ft
3
= unit weight of water

Examples for determining allowable bearing capacity

Example #1: Determine allowable bearing capacity and width for a shallow strip footing on cohesionless silty sand and
gravel soil. Loose soils were encountered in the upper 0.6 m (2 feet) of building subgrade. Footing must withstand a 144
kN/m
2
(3000 lb/ft
2
Given
2 (
3000 lbs/ft
2
)
- unit weight of soil, = 21 kN/m
3
(132 lbs/ft
3
- Cohesion, c = 0 *from soil testing, see typical cvalues
- footing depth, D = 0.6 m (2 ft) *because loose soils in upper soil strata

Solution
Try a minimal footing width, B = 0.3 m (B = 1 foot).
, N
c
and N
q
friction.
- N
= 22
- N
c
= 35.5
- N
q
= 23.2
Q
u
= c N
c
+ D N
q
+ 0.5 B N
*strip footing eq.

Q
u
= 0(35.5) + 21 kN/m
3
(0.6m)(23.2) + 0.5(21 kN/m
3
)(0.3 m)(22) metric
Q
u
= 362 kN/m
2

Q
u
= 0(35.5) + 132lbs/ft
3
(2ft)(23.2) + 0.5(132lbs/ft
3
)(1ft)(22) standard
Q
u
= 7577 lbs/ft
2

Q
a
= Qu
F.S.
Q
a
= 362 kN/m
2
= 121 kN/m
2
not o.k. metric
3
Q
a
= 7577lbs/ft
2
= 2526 lbs/ft
2
not o.k. standard
3
Since Q
a
< required 144 kN/m
2
(3000 lbs/ft
2
) bearing pressure, increase footing width, B or foundation depth, D to increase
bearing capacity.
Try footing width, B = 0.61 m (B = 2 ft).
Q
u
= 0 + 21 kN/m
3
(0.61 m)(23.2) + 0.5(21 kN/m
3
)(0.61 m)(22) metric
Q
u
= 438 kN/m
2

Q
u
= 0 + 132 lbs/ft
3
(2 ft)(23.2) + 0.5(132 lbs/ft
3
)(2 ft)(22) standard
Q
u
= 9029 lbs/ft
2

Q
a
= 438 kN/m
2
= 146 kN/m
2
Q
a
> 144 kN/m
2
o.k. metric
3
Q
a
= 9029 lbs/ft
2
= 3010 lbs/ft
2
Q
a
> 3000 lbs/ft
2
o.k. standard
3
Conclusion
Footing shall be 0.61 meters (2 feet) wide at a depth of 0.61 meters (2 feet) below ground surface. Many engineers neglect the
depth factor (i.e. D N
q
= 0) for shallow foundations. This inherently increases the factor of safety. Some site conditions that may
negatively effect the depth factor are foundations established at depths equal to or less than 0.3 meters (1 feet) below the ground
surface, placement of foundations on fill, and disturbed/ fill soils located above or to the sides of foundations.
********************************

Example #2: Determine allowable bearing capacity of a shallow, 0.3 meter (12-inch) square isolated footing bearing on
saturated cohesive soil. The frost penetration depth is 0.61 meter (2 feet). Structural parameters require the foundation to
withstand 4.4 kN (1000 lbs) of force on a 0.3 meter (12-inch) square column.
Given
- bearing pressure from building column = 4.4 kN/ (0.3 m x 0.3 m) = 48.9 kN/m
2

- bearing pressure from building column = 1000 lbs/ (1 ft x 1 ft) = 1000 lbs/ft
2

- unit weight of saturated soil,
sat
= 20.3 kN/m
3
(129 lbs/ft
3
) *see typical values
- unit weight of water,
w
= 9.81 kN/m
3
(62.4 lbs/ft
3
) *constant
- Cohesion, c = 21.1 kN/m
2
(440 lbs/ft
2
- footing width, B = 0.3 m (1 ft)

Solution
Try a footing depth, D = 0.61 meters (2 feet), because foundation should be below frost depth.
Use a factor of safety, F.S = 3. See factor of safety for more information.
, N
c
and N
q
friction.
- N
= 0
- N
c
= 5.7
- N
q
= 1
Q
u
= 1.3c N
c
+ D N
q
+ 0.4 B N
*square footing eq.

Q
u
=1.3(21.1kN/m
2
)5.7+(20.3kN/m
3
-9.81kN/m
3
)(0.61m)1+0.4(20.3kN/m
3
-9.81kN/m
3
)(0.3m)0
Q
u
= 163 kN/m
2
metric
Q
u
= 1.3(440lbs/ft
2
)(5.7) + (129lbs/ft
3
- 62.4lbs/ft
3
)(2ft)(1) + 0.4(129lbs/ft
3
- 62.4lbs/ft
3
)(1ft)(0)
Q
u
= 3394 lbs/ft
2
standard
Q
a
= Qu
F.S.
Q
a
= 163 kN/m
2
= 54 kN/m
2
Q
a
> 48.9 kN/m
2
o.k. metric
3
Q
a
= 3394lbs/ft
2
= 1130 lbs/ft
2
Q
a
> 1000 lbs/ft
2
o.k. standard
3
Conclusion
The 0.3 meter (12-inch) isolated square footing shall be 0.61 meters (2 feet) below the ground surface. Other considerations may
be required for foundations bearing on moisture sensitive clays, especially for lightly loaded structures such as in this example.
Sensitive clays could expand and contract, which could cause structural damage. Clay used as bearing soils may require
mitigation such as heavier loads, subgrade removal and replacement below the foundation, or moisture control within the
subgrade.
********************************

Example #3: Determine allowable bearing capacity and width for a foundation using the Meyerhof Method. Soils consist
of poorly graded sand. Footing must withstand a 144 kN/m
2
(1.5 tons/ft
2
Given
2 (
1.5 tons/ft
2
)
Solution
Try a minimal footing width, B = 0.3 m (B = 1 foot) at a depth, D = 0.61 meter (2 feet). Footings for single family residences are
typically 0.3m (1 ft) to 0.61m (2ft) wide. This depth was selected because soil density greatly increases (i.e. higher N-value) at a
depth of 0.61 m (2 ft).
Solve for ultimate bearing capacity
Q
u
= 31.417(NB + ND) (kN/m
2
) (metric)
Q
u
= NB + ND (tons/ft
2
) (standard)
10 10
Q
u
= 31.417(36(0.3m) + 36(0.61m)) = 1029 kN/m
2
(metric)
Q
u
= 36(1 ft) + 36(2 ft) = 10.8 tons/ft
2
(standard)
10 10
Q
a
= Qu
F.S.
Q
a
= 1029 kN/m
2
= 343 kN/m
2
Q
a
> 144 kN/m
2
o.k. (metric)
3
Q
a
= 10.8 tons/ft
2
= 3.6 tons/ft
2
Q
a
> 1.5 tons/ft
2
o.k. (standard)
3
Conclusion
Footing shall be 0.3 meters (1 feet) wide at a depth of 0.61 meters (2 feet) below the ground surface. A footing width of only 0.3
m (1 ft) is most likely insufficient for the structural engineer when designing the footing with the building pressure in this
problem.
********************************

Given
- homogeneous soils in upper 15.2 m (50 ft); silty soil
3
(125 lbs/ft
3
2
(1000 lb/ft
2
- Pile Information
o driven
o steel
o plugged end

Solution
Q
p
= A
p
q
p

A
p
= t(B/2)
2
=t(0.61m/2)
2
= 0.292 m
2
metric
A
p
= t(B/2)
2
= t(2ft/2)
2
= 3.14 ft
2
standard
q
p
= DN
q

= 19.6 kN/m
3
(125 lbs/ft
3
); given soil unit weight
| = 30 degrees; given soil angle of internal friction
B = 0.61 m (2 ft); trial pile width
D = 1.5 m (5 ft); trial depth, may need to increase or decrease depending on capacity
check to see if D < D
c

Dc = 15B = 9.2 m (30 ft); critical depth for medium dense silts.
If D > D
c
, then use D
c

N
q
= 25; Meyerhof bearing capacity factor for driven piles, based on |
q
p
= 19.6 kN/m
3
(1.5 m)25 = 735 kN/m
2
metric
q
p
= 125 lb/ft
3
(5 ft)25 = 15,625 lb/ft
2
standard

Q
p
= A
p
q
p
= (0.292 m
2
)(735 kN/m
2
) = 214.6 kN metric
Q
p
= A
p
q
p
= (3.14 ft
2
)(15,625 lb/ft
2

Q
f
= A
f
q
f

A
f
= pL
p = 2t(0.61m/2) = 1.92 m metric
L = D = 1.5 m (5 ft); length and depth used interchangeably. check D
c
as above
A
f
= 1.92 m(1.5 m) = 2.88 m
2
metric
A
f
= 6.28 ft(5 ft) = 31.4 ft
2
standard
q
f
= c
A
+ ko tan o = c
A
+ kD tan o
k = 0.5; lateral earth pressure coefficient for piles, value chosen from Broms low density steel
= 19.6 kN/m
3
(125 lb/ft
3
w

D = L = 1.5 m (5 ft); pile length. Check to see if D < D
c

Dc = 15B = 9.2 m (30 ft); critical depth for medium dense silts. If D > D
c
, then use D
c

o = 20 deg; external friction angle, equation chosen from Broms steel piles
c
A
= 0.5c; for clean steel. See adhesion in pile theories above.
= 24 kN/m
2
(500 lb/ft
2
)
q
f
= 24 kN/m
2
+ 0.5(19.6 kN/m
3
)(1.5m)tan 20 = 29.4 kN/m
2
metric
q
f
= 500 lb/ft
2
+ 0.5(125 lb/ft
3
)(5ft)tan 20 = 614 lb/ft
2
standard
Q
f
= A
f
q
f
= 2.88 m
2
(29.4 kN/m
2
) = 84.7 kN metric
Q
f
= A
f
q
f
= 31.4 ft
2
(614 lb/ft
2

Q
ult
= Q
p
+ Q
f

Q
ult
= 214.6 kN + 84.7 kN = 299.3 kN metric
Q
ult
= 49,063 lb + 19,280 lb = 68,343 lb standard

Q
a
= Qult
F.S.
Q
a
= 299.3 kN = 99.8 kN; Q
a
3
Q
a
= 68,343 lbs = 22,781 lbs Q
a
3

Conclusion
A 0.61 m (2 ft) steel pile shall be plugged and driven 1.5 m (5 feet) below the ground surface. Many engineers neglect the skin
friction within the upper 1 to 5 feet of subgrade due to seasonal variations or soil disturbance. Seasonal variations may include
freeze/ thaw or effects from water. The end bearing alone (neglect skin friction) is sufficient for this case. Typical methods for
increasing the pile capacity are increasing the pile diameter or increasing the embedment depth of the pile.
********************************

Given
- upper 1.5 m (5 ft) of soil is a medium dense gravelly sand
3
(125 lbs/ft
3
o cohesion, c = 0 *from soil testing, see typical cvalues
- soils below 1.5 m (5 ft) of soil is a stiff silty clay
3
(120 lbs/ft
3
)
2
(1000 lb/ft
2
)
o angle of internal friction, | = 0 degrees
- Pile Information
o driven
o wood
o closed end

Solution
Q
p
= A
p
q
p

A
p
= t(B/2)
2
=t(0.61m/2)
2
= 0.292 m
2
metric
A
p
= t(B/2)
2
= t(2ft/2)
2
= 3.14 ft
2
standard

q
p
= 9c = 9(47.9 kN/m
2
) = 431.1 kN/m
2
metric
q
p
= 9c = 9(1000 lb/ft
2
) = 9000 lb/ft
2
standard

Q
p
= A
p
q
p
= (0.292 m
2
)(431.1 kN/m
2
) = 125.9 kN metric
Q
p
= A
p
q
p
= (3.14 ft
2
)(9000 lb/ft
2

Q
f
= pEq
f
L
p = 2t(0.61m/2) = 1.92 m metric

upper 1.5 m (5 ft) of soil
q
f
L = [ko tan o]L = [kD tan o]L
k = 1.5; lateral earth pressure coefficient for piles, value chosen from Broms low density timber
= 19.6 kN/m
3
(125 lb/ft
3
w

D = L = 1.5 m (5 ft); segment of pile within this soil strata. Check to see if D < D
c

D
c
= 15B = 9.2 m (30 ft); critical depth for medium dense sands. This assumption is conservative, because the soil is gravelly,
and this much soil unit weight for a sand would indicate dense soils. If D > D
c
, then use D
c

o = |(2/3) = 20 deg; external friction angle, equation chosen from Broms timber piles
| = 30 deg; given soil angle of internal friction
q
f
L = [1.5(19.6 kN/m
3
)(1.5m)tan (20)]1.5 m = 24.1 kN/m metric
q
f
L = [1.5(125 lb/ft
3
)(5ft)tan (20)]5 ft = 1706 lb/ft standard

soils below 1.5 m (5 ft) of subgrade
q
f
L = oS
u

S
uc
= 2c = 95.8 kN/m
2
(2000 lb/ft
2
); unconfined compressive strength
c = 47.9 kN/m
2
(1000 lb/ft
2
); cohesion from soil testing (given)
o = 1 [0.9 + 0.3(S
uc
- 1)] = 0.3; because S
uc
> 48 kN/m
2
, (1 ksf)
S
uc

L = 0.91 m (3 ft); segment of pile within this soil strata
q
f
L = [0.3(95.8 kN/m
2
)]0.91 m = 26.2 kN/m metric
q
f
L = [0.3(2000 lb/ft
2
)]3 ft = 1800 lb/ft standard

ultimate friction capacity of combined soil layers
Q
f
= pEq
f
L
Q
f
= 1.92 m(24.1 kN/m + 26.2 kN/m) = 96.6 kN metric
Q
f
= 6.28 ft(1706 lb/ft + 1800 lb/ft) = 22,018 lb standard

Q
ult
= Q
p
+ Q
f

Q
ult
= 125.9 kN + 96.6 kN = 222.5 kN metric
Q
ult
= 28,260 lb + 22,018 lb = 50,278 lb standard

Q
a
= Qult
F.S.
Q
a
= 222.5 kN = 74.2 kN; Q
a
3
Q
a
= 50,275 lbs = 16,758 lbs Q
a
3

Conclusion
Wood pile shall be driven 8 feet below the ground surface. Many engineers neglect the skin friction within the upper 1 to 5 feet
of subgrade due to seasonal variations or soil disturbance. Seasonal variations may include freeze/ thaw or effects from water.
Notice how the soil properties within the pile tip location is used in the end bearing calculations. End bearing should also
consider the soil layer(s) directly beneath this layer. Engineering judgment or a change in design is warranted if subsequent soil
layers are weaker than the soils within the vicinity of the pile tip. Typical methods for increasing the pile capacity are increasing
the pile diameter or increasing the embedment depth of the pile.

A
NALYSIS OF
B
EARING
C
APACITY

D
RIVEN
P
ILE
F
OUNDATION

8 - 20
D
min
= minimum embedment depthQ = lateral shear forceB = pile diameters
u
= undrained shear strengthFS = safety factor (FS = 3)
C. Cohesionless Soil
The following figure is the pressure diagram proposed by Brom for cohesionless soil for
free head condition
.
F
IGURE
8.3

C
OHESIONLESS
S
OIL

F
REE
H
EAD
C
ONDITION

The minimum embedment depth of the pile due to shear force Q is :
( )
eDQKBD5.0FS
minp3min
+ =

+=
245tanK
2p

[8.40]
where :D
min
u
= undrained shear strengthe = eccentricity of lateral loadK
p
= coefficient of passive lateral earth pressureFS = safety factor (FS = 3)

A
NALYSIS OF
B
EARING
C
APACITY

D
RIVEN
P
ILE
F
OUNDATION

8 - 21
The following figure is the pressure diagram proposed by Brom for cohesionless soil for
restrained head condition
.
F
IGURE
8.3

C
OHESIONLESS
S
OIL

R
ESTRAINED
H
EAD
C
ONDITION

The minimum embedment depth of the pile due to shear force Q is :
( )
pmin
BK5.1FSQD
=

[8.40]
where :D
min
u
= undrained shear strengthK
p
= coefficient of passive lateral earth pressureFS = safety factor (FS = 3)
8.9 GROUP PILE FOUNDATION
8.9.1 G
ENERAL

When the load is becomes bigger the group pile must be used to carry the load. The design of grouppile must
consider the
efficiency of the group
and the
arrangement of the pile
.
8.9.2 P
ILE
C
ONFIGURATION

The minimum spacing between pile in group pile is :
( )
D5.35.2s
=

[8.41]

A
NALYSIS OF
B
EARING
C
APACITY

D
RIVEN
P
ILE
F
OUNDATION

8 - 22
where :s = pile spacingD = pile diameter
8.9.3 L
OAD
T
RANSFER

The group pile may be subjected to centric load and eccentric load.The load transfer to the pile due to centric load is
:nPP
1
=

[8.42]
where :P
1
= vertical load in one pileP = total centric vertical loadn = number of pileThe load transfer to the pile due to eccentric
load is :

=
2x2y1
yyMxxMnPP
[8.43]
where :P
1
= vertical load in one pileP = total centric vertical loadM
x
= moment about X axisM
y
= moment about Y axisx = x distance from center of pile capy = y distance from center of pile capn = number of pile
8.9.4 G
ROUP
E
FFICIENCY

The group efficiency of group pile can be calculated based on the Converse Labarre formula, asfollows :
{ } { }

+=
mn90n1mm1n1E
g
sDtan
1

=

[8.44]
where :E
g
= efficiency of group pilem = number of pile columnsn = number of pile rows

Allowable Bearing Capacity

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Allowable Bearing Capacity

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- Allowable Bearing Capacity

*strip footing eq.

*square footing eq.

*strip footing eq.

*square footing eq.

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