Bearing Capacity

[Ahsan Kazmi]

Does code recommends any minimum limit for bearing capacity if the bearing capacity of actual soil is known?

[EngrUzair]

I have not seen such a limit written anywhere. However, the lowest value of bearing capacity (BC) for the building sites I have come across during my professional practice, was mostly 0.5 tons per square foot (TSF).

In only one case, the reported BC was 0.25 TSF. However, the client was advised to change the site, as such a low BC indicates a very weak soil, ordinarily requiring a very heavy & expensive footing design.

As such, IMO 0.5 TSF may be considered a reasonable lower limit of BC for a building site.

Regards.

[WR1]

On 11/17/2017 at 10:42 AM, Ahsan Kazmi said:

Does code recommends any minimum limit for bearing capacity if the bearing capacity of actual soil is known?

Known or unknow?

[Ahsan Kazmi]

sorry unknown

[WR1]

On 11/17/2017 at 10:42 AM, Ahsan Kazmi said:

Does code recommends any minimum limit for bearing capacity if the bearing capacity of actual soil is known?

I dont think code dictates that but yes common sense sure does. I wouldnt design foundation unless from some source I have the bearing capacity information. Even if it is preliminary design and you put a note that "the foundations have been designed assuming.....capacity", you should do some research of nearyby buildings. You cant just guess, i think.

[Fahad Khan Hoti]

For isolated footing an allowable bearing capacity of 0.8 tsf while for raft an allowable capacity of 1.1 tsf may be considered. What does this mean. Shouldnt the geotech recommend one type, either isolates or raft. Ans also show the ultimate bearing capacity. Would somebody please tell

Edited February 20, 2020 by Fahad Khan Hoti