Foundation Bearing Capacity Calculator
Calculate ultimate and safe bearing capacity of shallow foundations
About this calculator
The Foundation Bearing Capacity Calculator determines the ultimate and safe bearing capacity of shallow foundations using established geotechnical engineering formulas. This tool helps structural engineers and geotechnical professionals assess soil strength and foundation stability for construction projects. By calculating bearing capacity, engineers can ensure foundations are properly sized to prevent settlement or failure, making it essential for safe and economical foundation design in residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
How to use
Enter soil properties including cohesion, internal friction angle, and unit weight. Input foundation dimensions such as width, length, and depth. Add any surcharge loads if applicable. The calculator will compute ultimate bearing capacity using Terzaghi's or Hansen's equations, then determine safe bearing capacity by applying appropriate safety factors for your foundation design.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between ultimate and safe bearing capacity?
Ultimate bearing capacity is the maximum load soil can support before failure, while safe bearing capacity includes safety factors for practical design use.
Which safety factor should I use for bearing capacity?
Typical safety factors range from 2.5 to 3.0 for static loads, with higher values for dynamic or uncertain soil conditions.
What soil parameters do I need for this calculation?
You need soil cohesion, internal friction angle, unit weight, and foundation geometry including width, depth, and any applied loads.