Meyrhof's Bearing Capacity equation
Meyrhof's Bearing Capacity equation
(OP)
I'm a fresh graduate, not my first time here but my first time posting, so bear with me. Here's my problem I was trying to calculate the bearing capacity of a soil for a project, I was working on. The ultimate bearing capacity equation used was Meyrhof's. I noticed that the bearing capacity would drop as the width of the footing increased. This seemed contrary to what I have studied; therefore, I tried to plot Ultimate Bearing capacity Vs. Width for a square isolated footing resting on a soil with C = 0 KPa, Φ = 11°, γ = 18KN/m³ and foundation depth(Df)=3m. The result was a non-linear plot with Bearing Capacity decreasing with width of the footing. I have attached the plot and the python(numpy+scipy+matplotlib)code used to produce the plot. Now, my question is shouldn't ultimate bearing capacity of an isolated footing increase with increase in width?





RE: Meyrhof's Bearing Capacity equation
I might add, to help clear this up to design a series of footings for equal settlement, the larger total loads require a larger footing area, but at a lesser bearing capacity than for smaller loads.
RE: Meyrhof's Bearing Capacity equation
What type of soil are you dealing with that has those properties (i.e. Φ=11° and c=0kPa)?
RE: Meyrhof's Bearing Capacity equation
However, it irks me - perhaps not others, when geotechnical engineers refer "Allowable Bearing Capacity" - when, in fact, shear does NOT govern but settlement governs. In my view - allowable bearing capacity is a "shear/strength" issue; allowable bearing pressure would be best used if it is a serviceability issue. In this way there is no confusion.
RE: Meyrhof's Bearing Capacity equation
RE: Meyrhof's Bearing Capacity equation