EngineeringCivil EngineeringSoil SciencesGeotechnical EngineeringSoil MechanicsSoil ScienceBearing CapacitySoil StructureBearing Capacity AssessmentCompressive StrengthExperimental StudiesFooting Bearing CapacitySoil Bearing CapacityStructure Of Clay SoilsUltimate Bearing CapacityUnconfined Compressive Strength
The results of theoretical and experimental studies of the properties of clay soils lead to a very simple equation for computing the ultimate bearing capacity or maximum pressure to which the soil can be subjected without complete failure. This equation refers to a rectangular footing having a width B and length L. The expression is Q(sub d) equals 2.85 Q(sub u) (1 plus 0.3 B/L) in which Q(sub u) is the unconfined compressive strength of the clay beneath the loaded area, and Q(sub d) is the ultimate bearing capacity. The unconfined compressive strength of a clay soil can be determined readily by relatively rapid and inexpensive methods.