Bearing Capacity Calculation Sheet
Civil Geo Tools

Purpose
Use this sheet to document a preliminary shallow footing bearing capacity check with soil parameters, footing geometry, groundwater assumptions, and the distinction between ultimate and allowable pressure.

Inputs To Record
[ ] Footing type, width, length, embedment depth, and ground surface condition
[ ] Soil layer used for bearing and the source of c, phi, gamma, and groundwater depth
[ ] Load case, eccentricity or moment, and whether pressure is net or gross
[ ] Selected bearing capacity method, correction factors, and factor of safety

Calculation Checks
[ ] Separate cohesion, surcharge, and unit-weight terms in the bearing equation
[ ] Apply groundwater or effective unit weight adjustments where appropriate
[ ] Compare shear-based allowable pressure with settlement and code limits
[ ] Record assumptions that would trigger a geotechnical engineer's review

Engineering notes
- A high bearing number does not automatically mean settlement is acceptable.
- Do not use this sheet for uncontrolled fill, slopes, eccentric footings, or layered profiles without additional review.
- Keep drained and undrained parameters clearly separated.

Project:
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Date:
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Engineering note: This resource is for educational and preliminary reference only. Adapt it to project requirements and obtain professional review where needed.