A soil bearing capacity test shows 3,000 pounds per square foot. What is the maximum load that can be safely supported by a 4-foot by 6-foot footing?
Correct Answer
B) 72,000 pounds
The footing area is 4 × 6 = 24 square feet. Maximum load = 24 sq ft × 3,000 psf = 72,000 pounds.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
To find the maximum load a footing can support, you multiply the soil bearing capacity by the total footing area. The footing dimensions are 4 feet by 6 feet, giving an area of 24 square feet. When multiplied by the soil bearing capacity of 3,000 pounds per square foot, the result is 72,000 pounds maximum load capacity.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 18,000 pounds
36,000 pounds is incorrect because it uses only half the actual footing area (12 square feet instead of 24 square feet) in the calculation.
Option D: 36,000 pounds
54,000 pounds is incorrect because it uses 18 square feet instead of the correct 24 square feet footing area in the calculation.
Memory Technique
Remember 'ABC': Area × Bearing Capacity = maximum load Capacity. Always calculate the full rectangular area first, then multiply by the given bearing capacity.
Reference Hint
Florida Building Code, Chapter 18 - Soils and Foundations, or structural engineering reference materials covering foundation design and soil bearing capacity calculations.
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