Ultimate Bearing Capacity
Ultimate Bearing Capacity refers to the maximum load per unit area that a soil can support without failure. It is a critical factor in civil engineering and construction, as it helps determine the stability and safety of structures like buildings and bridges. Engineers assess this capacity to ensure that foundations are designed to withstand the loads they will encounter.
Factors influencing Ultimate Bearing Capacity include soil type, moisture content, and depth of the foundation. Common methods for calculating this capacity involve field tests, such as the Standard Penetration Test, and theoretical approaches based on soil mechanics principles. Understanding this concept is essential for safe and effective construction practices.