CVG 3106: Chapter 3 – Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations

Chapter 3
Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations
(Directed Group Discussion: DGD 3: CVG 3106 :Winter 2021)
22nd February 2021

Problem 1:
A square column foundation has to carry a gross allowable load of 1805 kN (FS = 3).
Given: Df = 1.5 m, ’ =15.9 kN/m3, ’ = 34o, and c’ = 0 kPa. Use Terzaghi’s bearing
equation to determine the size of the foundation (B). Assume general shear failure.

CVG 3106: Chapter 1: by Sai Vanapalli, Civil Eng. Dept., University of Ottawa (2021 W) 1
 CVG 3106: Chapter 3 – Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations
Solution for Problem 1:

Terzaghi’s equation: qu  1.3cN c  qN q  0.4 BN

q    D f  15.9 1.5 kPa  23.85 kPa

For    34 , Nc  52.64, Nq  36.50, N  38.04 (see Table below)

o

(Typically, general shear failure (GSF) is assumed for ’ > 36o; however, in some cases a well-
defined bulging failure (i.e., GSF) can occur in soils for values slightly less than ’ = 36o (as in this
problem). See figure below which highlights bulging at the sides of the footing. Because of such a
reason, in this problem GSF criteria is suggested).

General shear failure

Note that Nc, Nq and N are functions of ’. Use appropriate charts to get the information of N c, Nq
and N

CVG 3106: Chapter 1: by Sai Vanapalli, Civil Eng. Dept., University of Ottawa (2021 W) 2
 CVG 3106: Chapter 3 – Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations

The equation below is for square foundation. Note the difference from continuous footing.

qu  1.3cNc  qN q  0.4 BN

 23.85  36.50  0.4 15.9  B  38.04  241.93B  870.525

1805 qu 241.93B  870.525

qall   
B2 FS 3
By trial and error, B  2 m .

Some important tips to remember:

1. If it is a sandy soil, assume c’ = 0. This information may note be given is some problems.

2. Also, for normally consolidated clays, c’ =0

3. Low values of c’, for example less than 5 kPa, value may be given for sands in
examination questions. In such cases, you should use engineering judgement and
neglect such values. Clearly state it is reasonable to assume c’ = 0 kPa for sands. You
should not count on effective cohesion values in sand. Not a good idea!

4. In same cases, we may measure low values c’ values which may be associated with
errors laboratory tests, particularly due to rate of loading. If the shearing rate is faster,
we may obtain c’ values because the pore-water pressure is not fully dissipated.

CVG 3106: Chapter 1: by Sai Vanapalli, Civil Eng. Dept., University of Ottawa (2021 W) 3
 CVG 3106: Chapter 3 – Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations
Problem 2:
A square footing (B x B) has to be constructed as shown below. Assume that  = 16.5
kN/m3, sat = 18.5 kN/m3, D1 = 0.6m, Df = 1.2m. The gross allowable load, Qall, with FS = 3
is 667 kN. The SPT values (N60) are summarized below. Determine the size of footing. (Use
General bearing capacity equation).

Depth (m) N60

1.5 4
3.0 6
4.5 6
6.0 10
7.5 5

Solution for Problem 2:

General bearing capacity equation: qu  cN c Fcs Fcd Fci  qN q Fqs Fqd Fqi  1  b BN F s F d F i
2
Note: This equation is given by Meyerhof. It takes into account of various factors; which include
depth, shape and inclination factors for cohesion, surcharge and unit weight. There are all together 9
factors.

q  0.6  16.5  (18.5-9.81)  0.6  15.11 kPa

 b      sat   w  18.5  9.81  8.69 kPa

Table 1
Depth (m) N60 '0 (kPa) CN (N1)60 '
1.5 4 17.7 2.392 9.57 34
3 6 30.8 1.814 10.88 35
4.5 6 43.8 1.521 9.12 34
6 10 56.8 1.335 13.35 36
7.5 5 69.9 1.204 6.02 31

CVG 3106: Chapter 1: by Sai Vanapalli, Civil Eng. Dept., University of Ottawa (2021 W) 4
 CVG 3106: Chapter 3 – Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations
Average average
  34o

Equations used in this table:

0.5
 1 
Correction factor: C N   
  0 '/ pa 
Corrected standard penetration numbers: ( N 1 ) 60  C N N 60
0.5
 '   20  N1 60   20

You should not that there are other equations also in literature. For example,

  
0.34

  
  N 60  
   tan 1    
    
 12.2  20.3  p   
0

   a   

For    34 , Nq  29.44, N  41.06

o

(Note: This is a sandy soil; c’ = 0; given in the problem)

Shape factors: for square footing, B/L=1,
B
Fqs  1  ( ) tan    1  1 tan34o  1.67 ;
L
B
F s  1-0.4  1-0.4 1  0.6
L
D
Depth factors: assume f  1 , and    34o  0
B
Df 1.2 0.315
Fqd  1  2 tan  (1  sin  ) 2  1  2 tan 34o (1  sin 34o ) 2  1
B B B
F d  1

Inclination Factors:
Fqi  F i  1
CVG 3106: Chapter 1: by Sai Vanapalli, Civil Eng. Dept., University of Ottawa (2021 W) 5
 CVG 3106: Chapter 3 – Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations

0.315 1
qu  15.11 29.44  1.67  (1  )   8.69  B  41.06  0.6  1
B 2
233.9
 742.4   107.04 B
B
667 q 1 233.9
qall  2  u  (742.4   107.04 B)
B FS 3 B

By trial and error, B=1.35m.

D
Check the assumption: f  1.2  1 . Therefore, the assumption is correct.
B 1.35

We may used, B=1.5m ( a conservative value).

Problem 3:
A strip foundation 1.2 m wide is located at a depth of 1 m in a sand unit weight 18 kN/m3,
the water table being well below foundation level. The shear strength parameters are c’ = 0
and ’ = 35. The footing carries a load of 500 kN/m. Determine the gross factor of safety:
a) if the load is vertical;
b) if the load is inclined at 10 to the vertical;
c) if the footing is a 2m  2m square foundation and load is vertical;
d) if the footing is a 2m diameter of circular foundation and load is vertical.
Note: Use General Bearing Capacity Equation

Solution for Problem 3:

a) Load is vertical:
General bearing capacity equation: qu  cN c Fcs Fcd Fci  qN q Fqs Fqd Fqi  1  b BN F s F d F i
2

for ’ = 35: Nc = 46.12, Nq = 33.30, N = 48.03

q   D f  18 1kPa  18 kPa ;  b  18 kPa

CVG 3106: Chapter 1: by Sai Vanapalli, Civil Eng. Dept., University of Ottawa (2021 W) 6
 CVG 3106: Chapter 3 – Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations
Shape Factors:
B  1.2 
Fqs = 1    tan  '  1    tan35  1
L 
B  1.2 
Fs = 1  0.4   1  0.4   1
L 
Df 1
Depth Factors:   0.83  1 and    35o  0
B 1.2
2 Df 2 1
Fqd = 1  2 tan  ' 1  sin  '  1  2 tan 351  sin 35  1.212
B 1.2
Fd = 1

Inclination Factors:
2 2
    0 
Fqi = 1    1    1
 90   90 
2 2
   0 
Fi  1    1    1
  '   35 

1
qu = 18  33.3 11.212 1  18  1.2  48.03 111
2
 1245.3 kN/m 2

500kN / m
qall =  416.7 kN/m 2
1.2m
q 1245.3
Factor of safety: FS = u   2.99
qall 416.7

b) Load is inclined at 10o to the vertical

General bearing capacity equation: qu  cN c Fcs Fcd Fci  qN q Fqs Fqd Fqi  1  b BN F s F d F i
2
for ’ = 35: Nc = 46.12, Nq = 33.30, N = 48.03
q   D f  18 1kPa  18 kPa ;  b  18 kPa

Shape Factors:
B  1.2 
Fqs = 1    tan  '  1    tan35  1
L 
B  1.2 
Fs = 1  0.4   1  0.4   1
L 
Df 1
Depth Factors:   0.83  1 and    35o  0
B 1.2
2 Df 2 1
Fqd = 1  2 tan  ' 1  sin  '  1  2 tan 351  sin 35  1.212
B 1.2
Fd = 1

CVG 3106: Chapter 1: by Sai Vanapalli, Civil Eng. Dept., University of Ottawa (2021 W) 7
 CVG 3106: Chapter 3 – Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations
Inclination Factors:
2 2
    10 
Fqi = 1    1    0.79
 90   90 
2 2
    10 
Fi  1    1    0.510
  '   35 

1
qu = 18  33.3  11.212  0.79  18 1.2  48.03 11 0.51
2
 838.76 kN/m 2

Qall  cos  
500kN / m  cos10
qall =   410.3 kN/m 2
B 1.2m
q 838.76
Factor of safety: FS = u   2.04
qall 410.3

c) Footing is a 2 m 2 m square foundation and load is vertical

General bearing capacity equation: qu  cN c Fcs Fcd Fci  qN q Fqs Fqd Fqi  1  b BN F s F d F i
2
for ’ = 35: Nc = 46.12, Nq = 33.30, N = 48.03
q   D f  18 1kPa  18 kPa ;  b  18 kPa

Shape Factors:
B 2
Fqs = 1    tan  '  1    tan 35  1.7
L 2
B 2
Fs = 1  0.4   1  0.4   0.6
L 2
Df 1
Depth Factors:   0.5  1 and    35o  0
B 2
2 Df 2 1
Fqd = 1  2 tan  ' 1  sin  '  1  2 tan 351  sin 35  1.127
B 2
Fd = 1
Inclination Factors:
2 2
    0 
Fqi = 1    1    1
 90   90 
2 2
   0 
Fi  1    1    1
  '   35 

1
qu = 18  33.3 1.7 1.127 1  18  2  48.03  0.6 1 1
2
 1667.6 kN/m 2

Factor of safety:
FS = qu/qall = qu/{(Qall/(B x B)} = 3.33
CVG 3106: Chapter 1: by Sai Vanapalli, Civil Eng. Dept., University of Ottawa (2021 W) 8
 CVG 3106: Chapter 3 – Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations

d) Footing is a 2m diameter of circular foundation and load is vertical.

General bearing capacity equation: qu  cN c Fcs Fcd Fci  qN q Fqs Fqd Fqi  1  b BN F s F d F i
2
for ’ = 35: Nc = 46.12, Nq = 33.30, N = 48.03
q   D f  18 1kPa  18 kPa ;  b  18 kPa

Shape Factors: for circular footings, B/L=1

B 2
Fqs = 1    tan  '  1    tan 35  1.7
L 2
B 2
Fs = 1  0.4   1  0.4   0.6
L 2
Df 1
Depth Factors:   0.5  1 and    35o  0
B 2
2 Df 2 1
Fqd = 1  2 tan  ' 1  sin  '  1  2 tan 351  sin 35  1.127
B 2
Fd = 1
Inclination Factors:
2 2
    0 
Fqi = 1    1    1
 90   90 
2 2
   0 
Fi  1    1    1
  '   35 

1
qu = 18  33.3 1.7 1.127 1  18  2  48.03  0.6 1 1
2
 1667.6 kN/m 2

500kN / m
qall =  250 kN/m 2
2m
Factor of safety:

FS = qu/qall = qu/{(Qall/(circular footing area)} =

Calculate this value

CVG 3106: Chapter 1: by Sai Vanapalli, Civil Eng. Dept., University of Ottawa (2021 W) 9
 CVG 3106: Chapter 3 – Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations
Problem 4:
A continuous foundation is shown in the figure below. If the load eccentricity is 0.2 m,
determine the ultimate load, Qult per unit length of the foundation. Use Meyerhof’s
effective area method.

CVG 3106: Chapter 1: by Sai Vanapalli, Civil Eng. Dept., University of Ottawa (2021 W) 10
 CVG 3106: Chapter 3 – Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations

Solution for Problem 4:

𝑄 =𝐵 ∗𝐿∗𝑞 , 𝑞′ = 𝑞𝑁 𝐹 𝐹 𝐹 + 𝛾′𝐵′𝑁 𝐹 𝐹 𝐹

Effective width B′ = 2- (2*0.2) = 1.6 m.

q = (16.5)*(1.5) = 24.75 kN/m2

For ′ = 400, From Table 3.3, Nq = 64.2 and N = 109.41.

Shape factors: for continuous foundation, B′/L =0.

Fqs = 1, Fs = 1
Depth factors:
.
𝐹 = 1 + 2𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜙′(1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙 ) = 1 + 0.214 = 1.16
F d = 1
Inclination Factors:
Fqi = 1, Fi = 1

𝑞′ = 24.75 ∗ 64.2 ∗ 1 ∗ 1.16 ∗ 1 + 0.5 ∗ 16.5 ∗ 1.6 ∗ 109.41 ∗ 1 ∗ 1 ∗ 1

= 3287.39 kN/m2

𝑄 =𝐵 ∗𝐿∗𝑞 = 1.6 ∗ 1 ∗ 3287.39 = 5260 kN.

CVG 3106: Chapter 1: by Sai Vanapalli, Civil Eng. Dept., University of Ottawa (2021 W) 11
 CVG 3106: Chapter 3 – Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations
Problem 5:
Determine the allowable load on a footing 4.5 m x 2.25 m at a depth of 3.50 m in a stiff
clay if a factor of safety 3 with respect to shear failure is specified. The saturated unit
3 2
weight is 20 kN/m and the relevant shear strength parameters are cu = 135 kN/m and u
= 0.

Solution for Problem 5:


qu  cN c Fcs Fcd Fci  qN q Fqs Fqd Fqi  1  b BN F s F d F i
2
For undrained loading conditions (i.e. total stress conditions), u = 0
For' = 0, c’= cu Nc=5.14, Nq=1, Nγ=0

Therefore, q u  c u N c Fcs Fcd  qN q Fqs Fqd

q   'D f  ( sat - w )D f  (20  9.81)  3.5  35.67 kPa 

Shape factors:
B N 2 .25 1
Fcs  1  ( )( q )  1  ( )( )  1 .097 ;
L Nc 4 .5 5 .14
B
Fqs  1  ( ) tan    1 ;
L
Df
Depth factors: for  1 and  '=0,
B
D
Fcd  1  0.4 tan 1 ( f )  1.4 ;
B
Fqd  1

Inclination Factors: for vertical loading,

Fci = Fqi = Fγi =1.

qu  135  5.14 1.097 1.4  35.67 111  1101.36 kPa

qall  1101.36 / 3  367.12 kPa

CVG 3106: Chapter 1: by Sai Vanapalli, Civil Eng. Dept., University of Ottawa (2021 W) 12
 CVG 3106: Chapter 3 – Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations
Problem 6:
An allowable load of 425 kN/m is carried on a strip footing 2 m wide at a depth of 1 m
in a stiff clay of saturated unit weight of 21 kN/m3, the water table being at ground
level. Shear strength parameters are c’ = 5 kN/m2 and ’ = 15. Determine the gross
factor of safety. Assume general shear failure conditions as the stiff clay exhibited well
defined failure conditions.

Also, check the gross factor of safety assuming local shear failure conditions. Comment
on the results.

Solution for Problem 6:

For general shear failure

1
Using Terzaghi’s equation: qu = c' N c + qN q + γBN γ
2
c'=5 kPa, q    D f  ( sat - w )D f  (21  9.81) 1  11.19 kPa

For ’ = 15, Nc’ = 12.86, Nq’ = 4.45, N’ = 1.52 (GSF, slide 25 in lecture notes)

qu  5 12.86 11.19 4.45  0.511.19 2 1.52  131.10kPa

425kN / m
qall =  212.5kN / m 2
2m
q 131.10
Factor of safety: FS = u   0.617
qall 212.5
CVG 3106: Chapter 1: by Sai Vanapalli, Civil Eng. Dept., University of Ottawa (2021 W) 13
 CVG 3106: Chapter 3 – Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations

For local shear failure

2 1
Using Terzaghi’s equation: qu = c' N c' + qN q' + γBN '
3 2
For ’ = 15, Nc’ = 9.67, Nq’ = 2.73, N’ = 0.57 (LSF, slide 27 in lecture notes)

2
qu   5 9.67 11.19  2.73  0.5 11.19  2  0.57  69.16kPa
3

425kN / m
qall =  212.5kN / m 2
2m

qu 69.16
Factor of safety: FS =   0.33
qall 212.5

Focus on FS values. Understand how and why these values

reduce. Recall the discussions we had today in the DGD. See
video on Zoom!

CVG 3106: Chapter 1: by Sai Vanapalli, Civil Eng. Dept., University of Ottawa (2021 W) 14