Geotechnical Engineering · Engineering Glossary
Allowable bearing pressure is the maximum load per unit area that a soil or rock formation can support beneath a foundation without experiencing excessive settlement or shear failure. It is determined by the geotechnical engineer based on soil boring data, laboratory testing, and engineering analysis.
The allowable bearing pressure accounts for a factor of safety — typically 2–3 — applied to the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil. It is expressed in pounds per square foot (psf) or kips per square foot (ksf) and is one of the primary recommendations in a geotechnical report. The structural engineer uses the allowable bearing pressure to size spread footings, grade beams, and mat foundations. Soft clays, loose sands, and expansive soils typically have lower allowable bearing pressures, requiring larger footings or deeper foundations. Apex Grid coordinates geotechnical report findings with structural foundation design on every project.
Apex Grid Engineering maintains this glossary as a resource for architects, contractors, developers, and property owners who encounter unfamiliar engineering terminology on their projects.
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