This page is not intended to be a substitute for professional geotechnical advice and should not be relied on as geotechnical advice by individuals or other professionals to make site-specific decisions. Always seek advice from a professional geotechnical engineer.

What is the bearing capacity of soil?

The capacity of the soil to support the loads in the vertical direction is called an end bearing capacity, or commonly bearing capacity. It depends on the type of soil, strength, geometry of the footing, depth of groundwater level, overburden and density. Deeper foundation will typically have higher bearing capacity.

When there is not sufficient capacity for the soil, it is improved or load is spread in a larger area so that applied stress can be reduced as the acceptable value is less than bearing capacity.

What is lateral bearing capacity?

The lateral bearing capacity is the maximum horizontal pressure that will be applied to the ground surface where the shear failure mechanism implements in the supporting soil. It means the maximum amount of the load it can bear before it falls or gives away.

What is horizontal bearing capacity?

The horizontal load is applied at the center of gravity till it comes to the failure position, and it is known as the ultimate horizontal capacity. At the critical position, translators or rotations of the deck are in fast growth. Thus, the degree of translations and rotations of the deck and foundations are obtained to judge the ability of the platform.