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.
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Bearing Capacity Calculation Sheet
The downloadable text file mirrors the checklist structure on this page so it can be copied into project notes, field forms, study binders, or calculation records.