Verified by the CalcTree engineering team on July 20, 2024
This calculator computes the ultimate bearing capacity of a shallow foundation using Meyerhof's approach.
Symbols used in this calculator
Calculation
Assumption
The water table is below the foundation and hence soil properties are undrained
Applicable to shallow foundations only, where
L>B
Assumes friction angle
ϕ′≥10
, therefore excludes pure clay
Inputs
Footing Geometry
D
:1.50 m
B
:2.00 m
L
:5.00 m
alpha
:12.00 deg
Soil Properties
phi
:37.00 deg
c
:40.00 kPa
gamma
:11.00 kN / m^3
Output
N_c
:5.3
N_q
:1.1
N_g
:0.0
s_c
:1.08
s_g
:1.04
s_q
:1.04
d_q
:1.08
d_c
:1.15
d_g
:1.08
i_c
:1.00
i_q
:1.00
i_g
:0.46
qu
:282 kPa
Explanation
In 1963, Meyerhof introduced a solution for determining bearing capacity applicable to shallow foundations. Meyerhof's theory has similarities to Terzaghi's theories, the distinction being that there are additional factors to account for the footing shape, depth and load inclination:
the shape factor determines the bearing capacity of circular or rectangular footing
the depth factor accounts for the development of shearing resistance
the inclination factor accounts for the inclination of the footing placement and the angle of load application.