NPTEL – ADVANCED FOUNDATION ENGINEERING-I

Module 4
(Lecture 15)
SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS: ALLOWABLE BEARING CAPACITY AND
SETTLEMENT
Topics
1.1 ALLOWABLE BEARING CAPACITY
1.2 ALLOWABLE BEARING PRESSURE IN SAND BASED ON
SETTLEMENT CONSIDERATION
1.3 FIELD LOAD TEST
1.4 PRESUMPTIVE BEARING CAPACITY
1.5 TOLERABLE SETTLEMENT OF BUILDINGS
1.6 FOUNDATION WITH SOIL REINFORCEMENT
1.7 SHALLOW FOUNDATION ON SOIL WITH REINFORCEMENT
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ALLOWABLE BEARING CAPACITY

ALLOWABLE BEARING PRESSURE IN SAND BASED ON SETTLEMENT

CONSIDERATION

Meyerhof (1956) proposed a correlation for the net allowable bearing pressure for
foundations with the corrected standard penetration resistance, 𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 . The net pressure has
been defined as

𝑞𝑞net (all ) = 𝑞𝑞𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 − 𝛾𝛾𝐷𝐷𝑓𝑓

According to Meyerhof’s theory, for 1 in. (25.4 mm) of estimated maximum settlement

𝑞𝑞net (all ) (kN/m2 ) = 11.98𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 (for 𝐵𝐵 ≤ 1.22 m [4.48]

3.28𝐵𝐵+1 2
𝑞𝑞net (all ) (kN/m2 ) = 7.99𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 � � (for 𝐵𝐵 > 1.22 m) [4.49]
3.28𝐵𝐵

Where

𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = corrected standard penetration number

𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
𝑞𝑞net (all ) (kip/ft 2 ) = (for 𝐵𝐵 ≤ 4 ft [4.50]
4

And

𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 B+1 2
𝑞𝑞net (all ) (kip/ft 2 ) = � � (for 𝐵𝐵 ≤ 4 ft [4.51]
6 B

Since Meyerhof proposed original correlation, researchers have observed that its results
are rather conservative. Later, Meyerhof (1965) suggested that the net allowable bearing
pressure should be increased by about 50%. Bowles (1977) proposed that the modified
form of the bearing pressure equations be expressed as
𝑆𝑆
𝑞𝑞net (all ) (kN/m2 ) = 19.16𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝐹𝐹𝑑𝑑 �25.4
𝑐𝑐
� (for 𝐵𝐵 ≤ 1.22 m) [4.52]

3.28𝐵𝐵+1 2 𝑆𝑆
𝑞𝑞net (all ) (kN/m2 ) = 19.98𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 � 𝑐𝑐
� 𝐹𝐹𝑑𝑑 �25.4 � (for 𝐵𝐵 > 1.22 m) [4.53]
3.28𝐵𝐵

Where

𝐹𝐹𝑑𝑑 = depth factor = 1 + 0.33 (Df /B) ≤ 1.33 [4.54]

𝑆𝑆𝑐𝑐 = torelable settlement, in mm

Again, the unit of B is meters.

 NPTEL – ADVANCED FOUNDATION ENGINEERING-I

In English units
𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
𝑞𝑞net (all ) (kip/ft 2 ) = Fd S c (for 𝐵𝐵 ≤ 4 ft) [4.55]
2.5

𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 B+1 2
𝑞𝑞net (all ) (kip/ft 2 ) = � � Fd S c (for 𝐵𝐵 > 4 ft) [4.56]
4 B

Where

𝐹𝐹𝑑𝑑 is given by equation (50)

𝑆𝑆𝑐𝑐 = torebale settlement, in in.

Based on equation (55 and 56), the variation of 𝑞𝑞net (all ) /(Fd Sc ) with B and 𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 are
given in figure 4.30.

Figure 4.30 Plot of 𝑞𝑞net (all ) /𝐹𝐹𝑑𝑑 𝑆𝑆𝑒𝑒 vs B −equations (55 and 56)

The empirical relations just presented may raise some questions. For example which
value of the standard penetration number should be used, and what is the effect of the
water table on the net allowable bearing capacity? The design value of 𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 should be
determined by taking into account the 𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 values for a depth of 2B to 3B, measured from
the bottom of the foundation. Many engineers are also of the opinion that the 𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 value
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should be reduced somewhat if the water table is close to the foundation. However, the
author believes that this reduction is not required because the penetration resistance
reflects the location of the water table.

Meyerhof (1956) also prepared empirical relations for the net allowable bearing capacity
of foundations based on the cone penetration resistance, 𝑞𝑞𝑐𝑐 :
𝑞𝑞
𝑞𝑞net (all ) = 15𝑐𝑐 (for 𝐵𝐵 ≤ 1.22m and settlement of 25.4 mm) [4.57]

And

𝑞𝑞 3.28𝐵𝐵+1 2
𝑞𝑞net (all ) = 25𝑐𝑐 � � (for 𝐵𝐵 > 1.22m and settlement of 25.4 mm) [4.58]
3.28𝐵𝐵

Note that in equations (57 and 58) the unit of B is meters, and the units of 𝑞𝑞net (all ) and
𝑞𝑞𝑐𝑐 are kN/m2 .
q c (lb /ft 2 )
𝑞𝑞net (all ) (lb/ft 2 ) = (for 𝐵𝐵 ≤ 4ft and settlement of 1 in. ) [4.59]
15

And

q c (lb /ft 2 ) 𝐵𝐵+1 2

𝑞𝑞net (all ) (lb/ft 2 ) = � � (for 𝐵𝐵 > 4ft and settlement of 1 in. ) [4.60]
25 25

Note that in equations (59 and 60), the unit of B.

The basic philosophy behind the development of these correlations is that, if the
maximum settlement is not more than 1 in. (25.4 mm) for any foundation, the differential
settlement would be no more than 0.75 in. (19 mm). These are probably the allowable
limits for most building foundation designs.

FIELD LOAD TEST

The ultimate load-bearing capacity of a foundation, as well as the allowable bearing

capacity based on tolerable settlement considerations, can be effectively determined from
the field load test. It is generally referred to as the plate load test (ASTM, 1982; Test
Designation D-1194-72). The plates that are used for tests in the field are usually made of
steel and are 25 mm (1 in.) thick and 150 mm to 762 mm (6 in. to 30 in.) in diameter.
Occasionally, square plates that are 305 mm × 305 mm (12 in. × 12 in.) are also used.

To conduct a plate load test, a hole is excavated with a minimum diameter 4B (B =

diameter of the test plate) to a depth of 𝐷𝐷𝑓𝑓 (𝐷𝐷𝑓𝑓 = depth of the proposed foundation). The
plate is placed at the center of the hole. Load is applied to the plate in steps-about one-
fourth to one-fifth of the estimated ultimate load-by means of jack. A schematic diagram
of the test arrangement is shown in figure 4.31a. During each step load application, the
settlement of the plate is observed on step. The test should be conducted until failure, or
at least until the plate has gone through 25 mm (1 in.) of settlement. Figure 4.32 shows
 NPTEL – ADVANCED FOUNDATION ENGINEERING-I

the nature f the load-settlement curve obtained from such tests, from which the ultimate
load per unit area can be determined.

Figure 4.31 Plate load test: (a) test arrangement; (b) nature of load-settlement curve

For tests in clay,

𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢(𝐹𝐹) = 𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢(𝑃𝑃) [4.61]

W, is

Here

𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢(𝐹𝐹) = ultimate bearing capacity of the proposed foundation

𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢(𝑃𝑃) = ultimate bearing capacity of the test plane

Equation (61) implies that the ultimate bearing capacity in clay is virtually independent
of the size of the plate.
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For tests in sandy soils,

𝐵𝐵
𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢(𝐹𝐹) = 𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢(𝑃𝑃) 𝐵𝐵𝐹𝐹 [4.62]
𝑃𝑃

Where

𝐵𝐵𝐹𝐹 = width of the foundaiton

𝐵𝐵𝑃𝑃 = width of the test plate

The allowable bearing capacity of a foundation, based on settlement considerations and

for a given intensity of load, 𝑞𝑞𝑜𝑜 , is
𝐵𝐵
𝑆𝑆𝐹𝐹 = 𝑆𝑆𝑃𝑃 𝐵𝐵𝐹𝐹 (for clayey soil) [4.63]
𝑃𝑃

And

2𝐵𝐵𝐹𝐹 2
𝑆𝑆𝐹𝐹 = 𝑆𝑆𝑃𝑃 �𝐵𝐵 � (for sandy soil) [4.64]
𝐹𝐹 +𝐵𝐵𝑃𝑃

The preceding relationship is based on the work of Terzaghi and Peck (1967). Figure
4.32 shows a comparison of several large-scale field test results in with equation (64).
Based on this comparison, it can be said that equation (64) is fairly approximate.

Figure 4.32 Comparison of field test results with equation (64) (after D’Appolonia et al.,
1970)

Housel (1929) proposed a different technique for determining the load-bearing capacity
of shallow foundations based on settlement considerations:

1. Requirement is to find the dimensions of a foundation that will carry a load of 𝑄𝑄𝑐𝑐
with an allowable settlement of 𝑆𝑆𝑐𝑐(𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) .
 NPTEL – ADVANCED FOUNDATION ENGINEERING-I

2. Conduct two plate load tests with plates of diameters 𝐵𝐵1 and 𝐵𝐵2 .
3. From the load-settlement curves obtained in step 2, determine the total loads on
the plates (𝑄𝑄1 and 𝑄𝑄2 ) that correspond to the settlement of 𝑆𝑆𝑐𝑐(𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) . For plate no. 1,
the total load can be expressed as

𝑄𝑄1 = 𝐴𝐴1 𝑚𝑚 + 𝑃𝑃1 𝑛𝑛 [4.65]

Similarly, for plate no. 2

𝑄𝑄2 = 𝐴𝐴2 𝑚𝑚 + 𝑃𝑃2 𝑛𝑛 [4.66]

Where

𝐴𝐴1 , 𝐴𝐴2 = areas of the plate no. 1 and no. 2, respectively

𝑃𝑃1 , 𝑃𝑃2 = perimeter of the plates no. 1 and no. 2, respectively

𝑚𝑚, 𝑛𝑛 =
two constants that corresponds to the bearing presure and perimeter shear, respectively

The values of 𝑚𝑚 and 𝑛𝑛 can be determined by solving equations (65 and 66).

4. For the foundation to be designed,

𝑄𝑄𝑜𝑜 = 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 + 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 [4.67]

Where

𝐴𝐴 = area of the foundation

𝑃𝑃 = perimeter of the foundation

Because 𝑄𝑄𝑜𝑜 , 𝑚𝑚 and 𝑛𝑛 are known, equation (67) can be solved determine foundations
width.

Example 7

The results of a plate load test in a sandy soil are shown in figure 4.33. The size of the
plate is 0.305m × 0.305m. Determine the size of a square column foundation that should
carry a load of 2500 kN with a maximum of 25 mm.
 NPTEL – ADVANCED FOUNDATION ENGINEERING-I

Figure 4.33

Solution

The problem has to be solved by trial and error. Use the following table and equation
(64):

𝑄𝑄𝑜𝑜 (kN)(1) Assume width 𝑞𝑞𝑜𝑜 𝑆𝑆𝑃𝑃 𝑆𝑆𝐹𝐹 from

𝐵𝐵𝐹𝐹 (m)(2) 𝑄𝑄𝑜𝑜 corresponding to equation (64)
= 2 (kN
𝐵𝐵𝐹𝐹 𝑞𝑞𝑜𝑜 in col. 3 (mm) (5)
/m2 )(3) (mm) (4)

2500 4.0 156.25 4.0 13.81

2500 3.0 277.80 8.0 26.37

2500 3.2 244.10 6.8 22.67

So, a column footing with dimensions of 3.2 m × 3.2 m will be appropriate.

Example 8

The results of two plate load tests are given in the following table:

Plate diameter, B (m) Total load, 𝑄𝑄 (kN) Settlement (mm)

0.305 32.2 20

0.610 71.8 20
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A square column foundation has to be constructed to carry a total load of 715 kN. The
tolerable settlement is 20 m. determine the size of the foundation.

Solution

Use equations (65 and 66):

𝜋𝜋
32.2 = 4 (0.305)2 𝑚𝑚 + 𝜋𝜋(0.305)𝑛𝑛 [a]
𝜋𝜋
71.8 = 4 (0.610)2 𝑚𝑚 + 𝜋𝜋(0.610)𝑛𝑛 [b]

From (a) and (b),

𝑚𝑚 = 50.68 kN/m2

𝑛𝑛 = 29.75 kN/m

For the foundation to be designed [equation (67)],

𝑄𝑄𝑜𝑜 = 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 + 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃

Or

𝑄𝑄𝑜𝑜 = 𝐵𝐵𝐹𝐹2 𝑚𝑚 + 4𝐵𝐵𝐹𝐹 𝑛𝑛

For 𝑄𝑄𝑜𝑜 = 715 kN,

715 = 𝐵𝐵𝐹𝐹2 (50.68) + 4𝐵𝐵𝐹𝐹 (29.75)

Or

50.68𝐵𝐵𝐹𝐹2 + 119𝐵𝐵𝐹𝐹 − 715 = 0

𝐵𝐵𝑓𝑓 ≈ 2.8 m

Example 9

A shallow square foundation for a column is to be constructed. It must carry a net vertical
load of 1000 kN. The foundation soil is sand. The standard penetration numbers obtained
from field exploration are given in figure 4.34. Assume that the depth of the foundation
will be 1.5 m and the tolerable settlement is 25.4 mm. determine the size of the
foundation.
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Figure 4.34

Solution

The field standard penetration numbers need to be corrected by using the Liao and
Whitman relationship (table 4 from chapter 2). This is done in the following table

Depth (m) Field value of 𝑁𝑁𝐹𝐹 𝜎𝜎 ′ 𝑣𝑣 (kN/m2 ) Corrected 𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 )

2 3 31.4 7

4 7 62.8 9

6 12 94.2 12

8 12 125.6 11

10 16 157.0 13

12 13 188.4 9

14 12 206.4 8

16 14 224.36 9

18 18 242.34 11

Rounded off
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From the table, it appears that a corrected average 𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 value of about 10 would be
appropriate. Using equation (53)

3.28𝐵𝐵+1 2 𝑆𝑆
𝑐𝑐
𝑞𝑞𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 (𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) = 11.98𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 � � 𝐹𝐹𝑑𝑑 �25.4 �
3.28𝐵𝐵

Allowable 𝑆𝑆𝑐𝑐 = 25.4 mm and 𝑁𝑁𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 10, so

3.28𝐵𝐵+1 2
𝑞𝑞𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 (𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) = 119.8 � � 𝐹𝐹𝑑𝑑
3.28𝐵𝐵

The following table can now be prepared for trial calculations:

B (m) 𝐹𝐹𝑑𝑑 𝑞𝑞𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 (𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ) (kN/m2 ) 𝑞𝑞𝑜𝑜

= 𝑞𝑞𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 (𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 )
× 𝐵𝐵 2 (kN)

2 1.248 197.24 788.96

2.25 1.22 187.19 947.65

2.3 1.215 185.46 981.1

2.4 1.206 182.29 1050.0

2.5 1.198 179.45 1121.56

Because 𝑄𝑄𝑜𝑜 required is 1000 kN, B will be approximately equal to 2.4 m.

PRESUMPTIVE BEARING CAPACITY

Several building codes (for example, Uniform Building Code, Chicago Building Code,
New York City Building Code) specify the allowable bearing capacity of foundations on
various types of soil. For minor construction, they often provide fairly acceptable
guidelines. However, these bearing capacity values are based primarily on the visual
classification of near-surface soils. They generally do not take into consideration factors
such as the stress history of the soil, water table location, depth of the foundation, and
tolerable settlement. So, for large construction projects, the codes’ presumptive values
should be used only as guides.

TOLERABLE SETTLEMENT OF BUILDINGS

As has been emphasized in this chapter, settlement analysis is an important part of the
design and construction of foundations. Large settlements of various components of a
structure may lead to considerable damage and/or may interfere with the proper
functioning of the structure. Limited studies have been made to evaluate the conditions
for tolerable settlement of various types of structures (for example, Bjerrum, 1963;
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Burland and Worth, 1974; Grant et al., 1974; Polshin and Tokar, 1957; and Wahls, 1981).
Wahls (1981) has provided an excellent review of these studies.

Figure 4.35 gives the parameters for definition of tolerable settlement. Figure 4.35a is for
a structure that has undergone settlement without tilt; Figure 4.35b is for a structure that
has undergone settlement with tilt.

Figure 4.35 Parameters for definition of tolerable settlement (redrawn after Wahls, 1981)

The parameters are

𝜌𝜌𝑖𝑖 = total vertical displacement at point 𝑖𝑖

𝛿𝛿𝑢𝑢̈ = differential settlement between point 𝑖𝑖 and 𝑗𝑗

∆= relative deflection

𝜔𝜔 = tilt
𝛿𝛿 𝑢𝑢̈
𝜂𝜂𝑢𝑢̈ = − 𝜔𝜔 = angular distortion
𝐼𝐼𝑢𝑢̈

Δ
= deflection ratio
𝐿𝐿

𝐿𝐿 = lateral dimension of the structure

Bjerum (1963) provided the conditions of limiting angular distortion, 𝜂𝜂, for various
structures (see table 6).
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Polshin and Tokar (1957) presented the settlement criteria of the 1955 U.S.S.R. Building
Code. These criteria were based on experience gained from observations of foundation
settlement over 25 years. Tables 7 and 8 present the criteria.

FOUNDATION WITH SOIL REINFORCEMENT

SHALLOW FOUNDATION ON SOIL WITH REINFORCEMENT

It was discussed in chapter 3 that the ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations
can be improved by including tensile reinforcement such as metallic strips, geotextiles,
and geogrids in the soil supporting the foundation. The procedure for designing shallow
foundations for limiting settlement condition (that is, allowable bearing capacity) with
layers of geogrid as reinforcement is still n the research and development stages.
However, the problem of allowable bearing capacity of shallow foundations resting on
granular soil reinforced with metallic strips was studied in detail by Binquet and Lee
(1975a, b), who proposed the rational design method presented in the following sections.

Table 6 Limiting Angular Distortion as Recommended by Bjerrum

Category of potential damage 𝜂𝜂

Danger to machinery sensitive to settlement 1/750

Danger to frames with diagonals 1/600

Safe limit for no cracking of buildings b 1/500

First cracking of panel walls 1/300

Difficulties with overhead cranes 1/300

Tilting of high rigid buildings becomes 1/250

visible

Considerable cracking of panel and brick 1/150

walls

Danger of structural damage to general 1/150

buildings

Safe limit for flexible brick walls, 𝐿𝐿/𝐻𝐻 > 1/150

4b
a
After Wahls (1981)
b
Safe limits include a factor of safety. 𝐻𝐻 = height of building
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Table 7 Allowable Settlement Criteria: 1995 U.S.S.R .Building Code

Type of structure Sand and hard clay Plastic clay

(a)𝜂𝜂

Civil-and industrial-building
column foundations:

For steel and reinforced

concrete structure 0.002 0.002

For end rows of columns 0.007 0.001

with brick cladding

For structures where

auxillary strain does not 0.005 0.005
arise during nonuniform
settlement of foundations

Tilt of smokestacks, 0.004 0.004

towers, and so on
0.003 0.003
Craneways

(b)Δ/𝐿𝐿

Plain brick walls:

For multistory dwelling

and civil buildings
0.0003 0.0004
at 𝐿𝐿/𝐻𝐻 ≤ 3
0.0005 0.0007
at 𝐿𝐿/𝐻𝐻 ≥ 5
0.0010 0.0010
for one-story mills
a
After Wahls (1981). 𝐻𝐻 = height of building

Table 8 Allowable Average Settlement for Different Building Types

Type of building Allowable average settlement, in (mm)

Building with plain brick walls

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𝐿𝐿/𝐻𝐻 ≥ 2.5 3(80)

𝐿𝐿/𝐻𝐻 ≤ 1.5 4(100)

Building with brick walls, reinforced with 6(150)

reinforced concrete or reinforced brick

Framed building
4(100)

Solid reinforced concrete foundations of

smokestacks, soils, towers, and so on 12(300)

After Wahls (1981).

𝐻𝐻 = height of building