Wollega University

Faculty of engineering and Technology

CENG program
Foundation Engineering I
Exercises
1. Given the data in Fig.1, determine the ultimate bearing capacity qu using:
a)Terzaghi’s, b) Meyerhof’s and c) Hansen’s bearing capacity equations.

Figure.1: An isolated footing.

2 .Determine the ultimate bearing capacity of a square footing 1.5 m, at a depth of 1 m in a

soil c’ = 10 kPa, φ' =280, cu = 105 kPa,

φu =0 and γ = 19 kN/m3. Use Terzaghi’s,
Meyerhof’s and Hansen’s bearing capacity equations.

3.A square footing 1.5 m is to be constructed in sand with c’ = 0, φ' =400. The thickness
of the footing is 0.45 m and its top surface is level with the horizontal ground surface. The
footing is subjected to a central vertical force of 700 kN and a central horizontal force
(parallel to the sides) of 210 kN. Find the ultimate bearing capacity by a) Meyerhof’s and b)
Hansen’s equations. (Note that Terzaghi’s equations are not applicable for inclined loads).
The unit weight of the sand is 18 kN/m3.

4. Re-do question 3 assuming that the groundwater level is at the footing level (0.45 m
below the ground surface). The saturated unit weight is 21 kN/m3.

5.A square footing is shown in figure below. Determine the safe gross load (Factor of safety
of 3.0) that the footing can carry.
6.A footing 2 m square is located at a depth of 1 m below the ground surface in a deep

deposit of compacted sand, φ' =300, c’=0, and

γ sat =18 kN/m3. The footing is subjected
to a vertical load of 500 kN and a moment about the Y-axis of 125 kN ・ m. The ground
water table is 5 m below the ground surface. Use Meyerhof’s bearing capacity equation and
calculate the factor of safety. Assume the soil above the ground water is also saturated.
CENG PROGRAM Max- Mark: 5%
Foundation Engineering I Submission Date: 21/04/2011
Assignment 3:
Using the data given below, design a rectangular footing with side a/b=2 for the factored
loading condition in the figure below. (Assume base friction = 0.2)
Allowable soil pressure=100KN/m2
Use concrete C-25 and steel S-300.

Figure: plan and section of footing.