Bearing Capacity Calculator (Terzaghi)
Ultimate and safe bearing capacity of a strip footing from c, φ and depth.
φ rules everything: 30° sand gives ~20× the capacity of φ=0 soft clay. Note the B term — wider footings on sand carry MORE pressure, on clay the same. FS=3 covers soil's lies.
Formula
Bearing Capacity Calculator (Terzaghi) is a free bearing capacity for geotechnical engineers and foundation designers — instant, accurate and 100% client-side, with the governing formula and reference shown next to the result so the number can be defended, not just quoted.
About Bearing Capacity Calculator (Terzaghi)
Ultimate and safe bearing capacity of a strip footing from c, φ and depth. The calculation implements q_u = c·N_c + γD·N_q + ½γB·N_γ (N-factors from φ, Vesić N_γ) (Terzaghi (1943); Vesić factors; IS 6403). φ rules everything: 30° sand gives ~20× the capacity of φ=0 soft clay. Note the B term — wider footings on sand carry MORE pressure, on clay the same. FS=3 covers soil's lies.
How to use Bearing Capacity Calculator (Terzaghi)
- 1Enter Cohesion c in kPa.
- 2Enter Friction angle φ in °.
- 3Enter Soil unit weight in kN/m³.
- 4Enter Footing depth in m.
- 5Read Ultimate bearing q_u, Safe (net) bearing instantly — no submit button needed.
- 6Need US units? Flip the SI/Imperial toggle and every field converts.
Why use Bearing Capacity Calculator (Terzaghi)?
- ✓Implements the standard formula — q_u = c·N_c + γD·N_q + ½γB·N_γ (N-factors from φ, Vesić N_γ)
- ✓Reference cited on-page: Terzaghi (1943); Vesić factors; IS 6403
- ✓One-click SI ⇄ Imperial toggle — values convert in place, physics stays in SI
- ✓Live worked example: the substitution recomputes from your numbers
- ✓Runs entirely in your browser — nothing uploaded, free forever
Frequently asked questions
What formula does the Bearing Capacity Calculator (Terzaghi) use?+
It computes q_u = c·N_c + γD·N_q + ½γB·N_γ (N-factors from φ, Vesić N_γ), per Terzaghi (1943); Vesić factors; IS 6403. The formula is displayed under the result along with a worked example substituted with your own inputs.
What should I keep in mind when using this calculator?+
φ rules everything: 30° sand gives ~20× the capacity of φ=0 soft clay. Note the B term — wider footings on sand carry MORE pressure, on clay the same. FS=3 covers soil's lies.
Can this replace a soil investigation?+
No calculator replaces boreholes and lab tests — but with investigated parameters in hand, this gives you the standard-method result instantly, with the formula shown so reviewers can check it.
Is the Bearing Capacity Calculator (Terzaghi) free to use?+
Yes — completely free, no sign-up, no limits. It runs client-side in your browser, so inputs stay private and results are instant even on slow connections.
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