I understand that the allowable bearing cacity of a shallow foundation is a function of footing width. The ultimate bearing capacity is a function of width since as per the classical bearing capacity equation,
, the width of footing comes into the equation. Additionally, the settlement of the foundation is also a function of footing width (both immediate and consolidation).
My question is that given above, how come the geotechnical reports prepared by geotechnical consulting firms, report a single number as the allowable bearing capacity of the soil (e.g., 3000 psf) without mentioning the width of footing? And then based on this number, structural engineers calculate the dimension of the foundation.
Thanks,
AJ
My question is that given above, how come the geotechnical reports prepared by geotechnical consulting firms, report a single number as the allowable bearing capacity of the soil (e.g., 3000 psf) without mentioning the width of footing? And then based on this number, structural engineers calculate the dimension of the foundation.
Thanks,
AJ