Question
Download Solution PDFThe ultimate bearing capacity is
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFExplanation:
Definitions of some key terms:
1. Ultimate bearing capacity of the soil (qu):
It is the maximum gross pressure at the base of the foundation which can be applied without shear failure or it is the minimum gross pressure at which soil just fails in shear.
2. Net ultimate bearing capacity (qnu):
It is the maximum net pressure at the base of the foundation which can be applied without shear failure or it is the minimum net pressure at which soil just fails in shear.
\({q_{nu}} = {q_u} - \gamma D\)
3. Ultimate gross bearing capacity (qgross):-
It is the sum of ultimate net bearing capacity and the overburden pressure above the footing base.
4. Net safe bearing capacity (qns):
It is the maximum net pressure intensity to which the soil at the base of the foundation can be subjected without risk of shear failure.
\({q_{ns}} = \frac{{{q_n}}}{{FOS}}\)
5. Safe bearing capacity (qsafe): -
It is the working pressure that would ensure a margin of safety against the collapse of the structure from shear failure. The safe bearing capacity is usually a fraction of the ultimate net bearing capacity.
The relation between
\({q_{safe}} = \frac{{{q_{nu}}}}{{FS}} + \gamma D\)
Where,
Factor of safety (FS):-
It is the ratio of ultimate net bearing capacity to the allowable net bearing capacity. In geotechnical engineering, it lies between 2 and 5
As it is asked in Decreasing Order (i.e.) High to Low
Ultimate bearing capacity > Net ultimate bearing capacity > Gross Safe bearing capacity > Net safe bearing capacity
Last updated on Jul 2, 2025
-> ESE Mains 2025 exam date has been released. As per the schedule, UPSC IES Mains exam 2025 will be conducted on August 10.
-> UPSC ESE result 2025 has been released. Candidates can download the ESE prelims result PDF from here.
-> UPSC ESE admit card 2025 for the prelims exam has been released.
-> The UPSC IES Prelims 2025 will be held on 8th June 2025.
-> The selection process includes a Prelims and a Mains Examination, followed by a Personality Test/Interview.
-> Candidates should attempt the UPSC IES mock tests to increase their efficiency. The UPSC IES previous year papers can be downloaded here.