Chapter 21: Bearing capacity theory

This chapter discusses the theory behind the well-known formulae for the bearing capacity of soils. Theoretical solutions for an infinitely long strip foundation on a weightless soil, with the soil above the founding plane acting simply as a surcharge, are presented for both total stress and effective stress failure criteria. The use of empirical adjustment factors to take account of foundation shape, depth and the self-weight of the soil below the founding plane is described. Finally, the effect on bearing capacity of an inclined and/or eccentric load is discussed.