What are the components in contributing the bearing capacity of shallow foundation?
Based on Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equation, there are three components in contribution to the bearing capacity:
(i) Surcharge pressure
Foundations are normally not placed directly on the ground level. Instead, they are installed at a depth below the existing ground level. The soil pressure arising from the depth of soils serves as a surcharge imposing a uniform pressure at foundation level.
(ii) Self-weight of soils
The self-weight of soils contribute to the bearing capacity and is represented by 0.5rBNr (r=density of soils).
(iii) Shear strength
The shear strength of soils contributes to the bearing capacity and is
represented by cNc.
This question is taken from book named – A Closer Look at Prevailing Civil Engineering Practice – What, Why and How by Vincent T. H. CHU.


