Geotechnical Engineering · Engineering Glossary
Bearing capacity is the maximum load per unit area that a soil or rock mass can support before shear failure occurs. Geotechnical engineers determine both the ultimate bearing capacity (the failure load) and the allowable bearing capacity (the safe working load, which includes a factor of safety) for foundation design.
Ultimate bearing capacity is calculated using classical soil mechanics equations (Terzaghi, Meyerhof, Hansen) that account for soil cohesion, friction angle, foundation geometry, depth, and groundwater conditions. The allowable bearing capacity — which governs foundation sizing — typically applies a factor of safety of 2–3 to the ultimate value. Soil with higher friction angle and cohesion (dense sands, stiff clays, rock) have higher bearing capacities; loose sands, soft clays, and organic soils have low bearing capacities and may require deep foundations or ground improvement. Settlement analysis supplements bearing capacity calculations — a soil may have adequate bearing capacity but still experience unacceptable settlement under load.
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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