What Is the Meyerhof Bearing Capacity Shallow Footing Calculator?
The Meyerhof method is widely used in commercial geotechnical design because it accounts for rectangular aspect ratios and embedment shear strength.
How Does the Meyerhof Bearing Capacity Shallow Footing Calculator Work?
Computes Meyerhof factors Nc, Nq, Nγ based on Prandtl log-spiral failure mechanism.
Calculates shape factors (sc, sq, sγ) as functions of B/L ratio.
Computes depth factors (dc, dq, dγ) capturing shear resistance along embedment zone.
Meyerhof Bearing Capacity Shallow Footing Calculator Formula & Variables
The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:
q_ult = c·Nc·sc·dc + q·Nq·sq·dq + 0.5·γ·B·Nγ·sγ·dγ
Meyerhof modified general bearing capacity equation with 3D shape and embedment depth factors.
How to Use the Meyerhof Bearing Capacity Shallow Footing Calculator
- Input soil properties and footing dimensions (Width B, Length L, Depth Df).
- Provide desired safety factor.
- Inspect allowable bearing pressure.
Step-by-Step Example Calculation
Rectangular Footing on Dense Silt
Input Values:
cohesion:15
frictionAngle:30
unitWeight:19
footingWidth:2
footingLength:3
embedmentDepth:1
factorOfSafety:3
Worked Steps: Rectangular 2m × 3m footing embedded in dense sandy silt.
Understanding Your Result
Outputs both ultimate limit state capacity and allowable working pressure.
Factors That Affect the Result
- Aspect ratio B/L.
- Embedment ratio Df/B.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
- Design of rectangular footings, strap footings, and raft foundation segments.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Assumes vertical concentric loading; inclined or eccentric loads require load inclination factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note
Standard Meyerhof (1963) semi-empirical formula.