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where:
Q = total vertical load
M = moment of the
foundation

eccentricity, e:
M
e =
Q
CE 522 M
e =
Q

1. The total ultimate load that the foundation can sustain is: The effective area for this condition is:
where: 1
Q =q B L = q A′ A = B L
A’ = effective area 2
where:
2. Use the ultimate bearing capacity equation:
B = B 1.5 − and L = L 1.5 −

q = c N F F F + qN F F F + B′γN F F F  the effective length is the larger of the two

dimensions B1 and L1. So the effective width
is:
• For Shape Factor, replace B and L with B’ and L’ A′
B =
• For Depth Factor, do not replace B with B’ L′
• In determining the effective area A’, effective width B’, and effective length L’,
5 possible cases may arise (Highter and Anders, 1985).
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The effective area for this case is:

1
A = L +L B
2
The magnitudes of L1 and L2 can be determined
from Figure 1.
 The effective width is:
A′
B =
L′
 The effective length is:
L = L or L (whichever is larger)

Figure 1. Magnitudes of L1 and L2

The effective area is:

1
A = B +B L
2
The magnitudes of B1 and B2 can be determined
from Figure 2.
 The effective width is:
A′
B =
L
 The effective length is:
L =L

Figure 2. Magnitudes of B1 and B2

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• The ratio B2/B, and thus B2,

The effective area is: can be determined by
using the eL/L curves that
1 slope upward.
A = L B+ B+B L−L • The ratio L2/L, and thus L2,
2
The magnitudes of B2 and L2 can be determined can be determined by
from Figure 3. using the eL/L curves that
slope downward.
 The effective width is:
A′
B =
L
 The effective length is:
L =L

Figure 3. Magnitudes of B2 and L2

Table 14. Variation of A’/R2 and B’/R with eR/ R for Circular Foundations

Eccentric is always one-way.

The effective area A’ and the effective width B’ for a

circular foundation are given in a non-dimensional
form in Table 14.
 The effective length is:
A′
L =
B′

1. A square foundation is shown in the
figure, with eL = 0.3 m and eB = 0.15
m. Assume two-way eccentricity, and
determine the ultimate load, Qu.
2. Consider the foundation shown in
the Figure with the following
changes:
eL = 0.18 m
eB = 0.12 m
For the soil,
γ = 16.5 kN/m3
φ = 28°
c’ = 30 kN/m2
Determine the ultimate load, Qu.
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3. A 1.5 m- diameter circular
foundation has a load that is
assumed to be located 0.3 m from
its center. Determine the maximum
allowable load the the foundation
can carry if the FS = 3. The unit
weight of soil is 17 kN/m3, the
cohesion is 10 kPa, angle of internal
friction is 25o, and Df = 1m.
4. A long foundation is shown in the
figure. Estimate the inclined load,
Qu(ei) per unit length of the
foundation.