Civil Engineering/Bearing capacity

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Expert: - 6/11/2007


Question
Hello. What is the difference between bearing capacity of soils and bearing capacity of a foundation? As far as I know, bearing capacity of soils, is the maximum pressure that the soil can support induced from loads applied from the foundation. What is meant by bearing capacity of a foundation?

Answer
Hello Manos,

For the foundation design both the terms are used in the same sense. Based on bearing capacity of the soil, designer decides the size of the foundation so that the load coming on the footing is safe for the soil to bear. Usually size of the foundation is little bigger then required by bearing capacity of soil and hence foundation can bear more loads then required and that makes bearing capacity of foundation.

I hope this helps.

Regards
Veto  

Civil Engineering

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Veto Varma

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I can answer questions related to design and analysis of structures. I have experience in design and detailing of concrete and steel structures. I can answer your queries related to practical difficulties in design and construction. I also have several years of experience in seismic design and retrofitting.

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I have been working in the Area of structural design and seismic engineering. Presently I am a consulting structural engineer in Saskatchewan, Canada. You can ask questions related to Industrial and Building structures. Education: Masters in Structural Engineering Publications: More than 14 publications in reputed journals and conference proceedings related to structural engineering.

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