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Meyerhof General Shallow Foundation Ultimate Bearing Capacity Calculator

G. G. Meyerhof extended Terzaghi classical bearing capacity theory to accommodate shallow and deep foundations.

Cohesion shear strength intercept

Overburden soil pressure at footing base depth

Effective unit weight of foundation soil

Least horizontal dimension of foundation

Angle of internal shearing resistance

Calculated Result
1595.4 kPa

Ultimate Bearing Capacity (qult)

Factors (Nc, Nq, Nγ)

30.14, 18.4, 15.67

Calculation Breakdown

  1. Meyerhof General Equationqult = c·Nc + q·Nq + 0.5·γ·B·Nγ => 1595.4 kPa

Bearing Capacity Components

Interactive visualization based on your current inputs

kPa
0.0188377565753Cohesion (c Nc)Surcharge (q Nq)Weight (0.5 γ B Nγ)ComponentCapacity (kPa)

What Is the Meyerhof General Shallow Foundation Ultimate Bearing Capacity Calculator?

G. G. Meyerhof extended Terzaghi classical bearing capacity theory to accommodate shallow and deep foundations.

It accounts for shear failure zones extending above the foundation base level to provide realistic load limits.

How Does the Meyerhof General Shallow Foundation Ultimate Bearing Capacity Calculator Work?

The calculation evaluates user-provided measurements using recognized domain equations, converts between measurement units, and adjusts for real-world efficiency factors.

Meyerhof General Shallow Foundation Ultimate Bearing Capacity Calculator Formula & Variables

The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:

q_{ult} = c N_c + q N_q + \frac{1}{2} \gamma B N_\gamma

Meyerhof general ultimate bearing capacity equation.

How to Use the Meyerhof General Shallow Foundation Ultimate Bearing Capacity Calculator

  1. Enter your primary measurements in the input fields above.
  2. Select your preferred units (e.g. metric or imperial) if applicable.
  3. Review or adjust operational assumptions such as field efficiency.
  4. Click Calculate to instantly generate the full results breakdown and visual chart.
  5. Use the Reset button at any time to clear the form and test a new scenario.

Step-by-Step Example Calculation

Strip Footing on Sandy Silt

Input Values:

cohesionC:15.0
surchargeQ:28.0
unitWeightGamma:19.0
footingWidthB:2.5
frictionAngleDeg:32.0

Understanding Your Result

Your calculated result represents the realistic operational capacity or baseline output under the specified conditions. Comparing theoretical and effective outputs reveals the direct impact of turns, overlap, and practical downtime.

Factors That Affect the Result

Field terrain, operator experience, equipment maintenance, overlap margin, and weather conditions can significantly influence real-world output.

When Should You Use This Calculator?

Use this calculator whenever you need quick, verified estimates for job planning, budgeting, equipment sizing, or project timelines.

Assumptions & Limitations

  • Bearing capacity factors Nc, Nq, and Nγ depend exponentially on friction angle φ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note

This calculator implements verified, deterministic mathematical equations based on published standards. Results should be treated as professional engineering estimates; always verify critical operations with local equipment manuals and site inspections.

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