Which one of the following terms is defined as “Maximum pressure which a foundation can withstand without the occurrence of shear failure of the foundation” ?
- AGross bearing capacity
- BBearing capacity
- CUltimate bearing capacity
- DSafe bearing capacityCorrect
Solution
Concept
Safe bearing capacity
Step-by-step solution
1. Ultimate bearing capacity is the pressure at which the soil FAILS in shear. 2. Safe bearing capacity is the maximum pressure that the soil can carry safely without risk of shear failure (after applying a factor of safety).
Explanation
"Without the occurrence of shear failure" points to the safe pressure rather than the failure pressure.
Why the other options are wrong
Ultimate bearing capacity is the pressure causing failure, and gross bearing capacity includes the overburden.
Shortcut
Ultimate = failure; safe = ultimate / FS.
Common mistake
Choosing the ultimate value.
Correct answer: D) Safe bearing capacity