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Terzaghi Ultimate Bearing Capacity (q_ult) Shallow Footing Calculator

Easily calculate and compute terzaghi ultimate bearing capacity (q_ult) shallow footing calculator with accurate equations, live formulas, and expert guidance.

Width of shallow footing.

Footing length (enter same as B for square, large for strip).

Depth below ground level.

Unit weight of soil above and below foundation.

Cohesion intercept.

Angle of internal friction.

Design safety factor (typically 3.0).

Calculated Result
358.5 kPa

Allowable Bearing Capacity

Allowable Bearing Capacity

358.5 kPa

Allowable Bearing Capacity Qall Kpa

358.5

Ultimate Bearing Capacity Qult Kpa

1075.6

Net Allowable Capacity Kpa

349.5

Bearing Factor Nc

25.1

358.5 — kPa

Calculation Breakdown

  1. Applied FormulaSizes shallow pad, strip, and rectangular foundations against shear failure, calculating Terzaghi bearing capacity factors (Nc, Nq, Nγ) and allowable bearing pressure.q_{ult} = c N_c + \gamma D_f N_q + \frac{1}{2}\gamma B N_\gamma, \quad q_{all,net} = \frac{q_{ult} - \gamma D_f}{FS}

Terzaghi Bearing Capacity Metric Output

Interactive visualization based on your current inputs

Calculated Value
0.090179269359Allowable Bearing Capacity

What Is the Terzaghi Ultimate Bearing Capacity (q_ult) Shallow Footing Calculator?

This tool computes terzaghi ultimate bearing capacity (q_ult) shallow footing calculator with high precision arithmetic.

How Does the Terzaghi Ultimate Bearing Capacity (q_ult) Shallow Footing Calculator Work?

Sizes shallow pad, strip, and rectangular foundations against shear failure, calculating Terzaghi bearing capacity factors (Nc, Nq, Nγ) and allowable bearing pressure.

Terzaghi Ultimate Bearing Capacity (q_ult) Shallow Footing Calculator Formula & Variables

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

qult=cNc+γDfNq+12γBNγ,qall,net=qult−γDfFSq_{ult} = c N_c + \gamma D_f N_q + \frac{1}{2}\gamma B N_\gamma, \quad q_{all,net} = \frac{q_{ult} - \gamma D_f}{FS}

Sizes shallow pad, strip, and rectangular foundations against shear failure, calculating Terzaghi bearing capacity factors (Nc, Nq, Nγ) and allowable bearing pressure.

How to Use the Terzaghi Ultimate Bearing Capacity (q_ult) Shallow Footing Calculator

  1. Enter your parameters into the designated input fields to calculate the result immediately.

Step-by-Step Example Calculation

Terzaghi Ultimate Bearing Capacity (q_ult) Shallow Footing Calculator Example

Input Values:

footingWidthMeters:2
footingLengthMeters:3
embedmentDepthMeters:1.5
soilUnitWeightKnPerM3:18
soilCohesionCPrimeKpa:15
frictionAnglePhiDeg:25
factorOfSafety:3
Worked Steps: Sample evaluation based on standard reference conditions.

Understanding Your Result

The calculated primary figure indicates the optimal or required kPa.

Factors That Affect the Result

  • Measurement tolerances, operational variance, and real-world conditions.

When Should You Use This Calculator?

  • Everyday budgeting, technical homework, professional estimation, and household projects.

Assumptions & Limitations

  • Assumes standard atmospheric or environmental parameters unless specified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note

Double-precision IEEE 754 arithmetic with validated empirical constants.

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