Foundations & Piles
Bearing Capacity Calculator (Shallow Footings)
Evaluate ultimate and allowable bearing capacity for strip, square, circular, and rectangular shallow footings using Terzaghi, Meyerhof, Hansen, and Vesic general equations.
Bearing Capacity Calculator (Shallow Footings)
Evaluate ultimate and allowable bearing capacity for strip, square, circular, and rectangular shallow footings using Terzaghi, Meyerhof, Hansen, and Vesic general equations.
Inputs
1. Theory & Foundation Geometry
2. Soil Shear Strength Parameters
3. Groundwater & Load Inclination
Results
Enter foundation geometry and soil properties above, or click a Demo Preset at the top to compute bearing capacity.
Theory and formulae
Theory & Governing Equations
About this calculator
This free bearing capacity calculator runs entirely in your browser: what you enter is never uploaded. Switch between metric and imperial units at any time. Use the calculation steps and the theory section to check the working, and print a calculation sheet with the inputs, results and formulae for your records.
Methods and references: AASHTO, Eurocode 7, Bowles.
Topics: shallow foundations, bearing capacity, terzaghi, meyerhof, hansen, vesic, shape factors, groundwater correction, inclination.
Engineering notice: Results are for preliminary estimation, screening and education. All inputs and outputs must be independently verified by a qualified professional engineer before use in any design or construction decision. Read the full disclaimer
Disclaimer
This calculation sheet was generated with Geotechnical Toolbox for preliminary estimation, screening, educational and verification purposes only. Geotechnical engineering involves site-specific ground conditions and uncertainty. All inputs, methods, results and figures must be independently checked and approved by a qualified Professional Engineer (P.Eng. / PE) before being relied on for design, construction or any safety-critical decision. Results reflect the values entered at the time of printing. The author and site accept no liability for errors, omissions or damages arising from their use.
Open this calculator online: geotechnica.ca/tools/bearing-capacity
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