EngineeringToolkit

Bearing Capacity Formula

Ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations.

Formula

qu = c×Nc + γ×D×Nq + 0.5×γ×B×Nγ

Discipline: Geotechnical Engineering. Result unit: kN/m².

Variables and units

  • qu — Ultimate Bearing Capacity (kN/m²): Ultimate bearing capacity
  • c — Cohesion (kN/m²): Soil cohesion
  • Nc — Bearing Capacity Factor for Cohesion: Bearing capacity factor for cohesion
  • γ — Unit Weight (kN/m³): Unit weight of soil
  • D — Depth (m): Foundation depth
  • Nq — Bearing Capacity Factor for Surcharge: Bearing capacity factor for surcharge
  • B — Width (m): Foundation width
  • — Bearing Capacity Factor for Unit Weight: Bearing capacity factor for soil unit weight