Allowable bearing capacity refers to the maximum load per unit area that a soil can support without experiencing failure or excessive settlement. It is a crucial factor in civil engineering and construction, as it helps determine the safe design of foundations for structures like buildings and bridges. Engineers assess soil properties through tests to establish this capacity. This concept ensures that the weight of a structure, including live loads and dead loads, does not exceed the soil's ability to bear it. Proper calculations of allowable bearing capacity help prevent structural issues and ensure safety, longevity, and stability of the foundation and the entire structure.