Bearing Capacity Calculator
Calculate ultimate and allowable bearing capacity for foundations using Terzaghi's equation. Supports strip, square, circular, and rectangular footings with depth and shape factors.
Depth below ground surface to foundation base
Typical: 2.5-3.0
| Soil Type | c (kPa) | φ (°) | γ (kN/m³) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loose Sand | 0 | 28 | 16 |
| Medium Dense Sand | 0 | 33 | 18 |
| Dense Sand | 0 | 38 | 20 |
| Soft Clay | 25 | 0 | 17 |
| Medium Clay | 50 | 0 | 18 |
| Stiff Clay | 100 | 0 | 19 |
Ultimate Capacity
1353
Allowable Capacity
451
Allowable Load
1805
Ultimate Bearing Capacity (qu)
1353 kPa
Allowable Bearing Capacity (qa)
451 kPa
Maximum Allowable Load
1805 kN
Based on foundation area of 4.00 m²
Formula Used: Terzaghi-Meyerhof
Effective overburden stress (q) = 27.0 kPa
Notes:
- Results based on Terzaghi-Meyerhof general bearing capacity theory
- Water table correction applied if specified
- Verify with site-specific geotechnical investigation
- Consider settlement criteria for final design
- Factor of Safety 3 applied to ultimate capacity
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This calculator provides PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES ONLY and is intended for planning and budgeting purposes. Results should NOT be used for final structural design or construction without verification by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
By using this tool, you acknowledge that:
1. All calculations are indicative and may not account for site-specific conditions, load combinations, or local code requirements.
About This Calculator
The Bearing Capacity Calculator helps geotechnical engineers and structural designers determine safe foundation loads using Terzaghi's bearing capacity equation. Calculate ultimate and allowable bearing pressures for various footing types in UAE and Gulf soil conditions, accounting for depth, shape, and water table factors essential for foundation design.
When to Use This Calculator
- Designing shallow foundations for buildings and structures
- Verifying soil investigation report recommendations
- Comparing bearing capacity across different footing sizes
- Assessing effect of water table on foundation capacity
- Preliminary foundation sizing before detailed analysis
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Soil Parameters
Input cohesion (c), friction angle (φ), and unit weight (γ) from soil investigation.
Select Footing Type
Choose strip, square, circular, or rectangular footing shape.
Define Foundation Geometry
Enter footing width, length, and embedment depth.
Set Water Table
Specify water table depth to account for buoyancy effects.
Calculate Capacity
Get ultimate bearing capacity, factor of safety, and allowable bearing pressure.
Typical Scenarios in UAE & Gulf Projects
Geotechnical consultant verifies bearing capacity for G+2 villa on sandy soil. Calculator determines allowable bearing pressure of 150 kPa for 2m x 2m isolated footings at 1.5m depth, confirming soil report recommendations with FOS of 3.0.
Structural engineer designs raft foundation for 5,000 m² warehouse on weak coastal soil. Tool calculates bearing capacity under water table conditions, recommending ground improvement to achieve required 100 kPa allowable pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last Updated: January 2026
Standards Reference: Terzaghi Bearing Capacity Theory, BS 8004 Code of Practice for Foundations, ASCE Guidelines