What are the objectives of bearing capacity?

The objectives of bearing capacity:

a. identify the possible modes of failure that a shallow foundation can undergo,

b. understand the basic assumptions and the main features of the Terzaghi's bearing capacity theory,

c. evaluate the ultimate bearing capacity for a general and a local shear failure modes,

d. understand the importance of various modification factors to determine bearing capacity of square, rectangular and circular footings under different loading patterns,

e. distinguish between ultimate bearing capacity and ultimate net bearing capacity,

f. evaluate the influence of water table on the bearing capacity,

g. distinguish between safe net bearing capacity and allowable soil pressure,

h. Determine ultimate net bearing capacity as per Indian Standards (IS:6403-1981).

i. evaluate bearing capacity using load test data and penetration resistance data, and

j. Understand advantages and limitations of usage of presumptive bearing pressure in the design of shallow foundations.