A soil bearing test indicates a bearing capacity of 2,500 psf. What is the maximum allowable bearing pressure that should be used for foundation design?
Correct Answer
D) 833 psf
The allowable bearing pressure is typically calculated using a factor of safety of 3.0 applied to the ultimate bearing capacity. Therefore, 2,500 psf ÷ 3 = 833 psf allowable bearing pressure.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option D (833 psf) is correct because it applies the standard factor of safety of 3.0 to the ultimate bearing capacity. When a soil bearing test indicates 2,500 psf capacity, the allowable bearing pressure for foundation design is calculated as 2,500 ÷ 3 = 833 psf. This safety factor accounts for uncertainties in soil conditions, construction variations, and provides adequate margin against foundation failure.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 1,250 psf
1,250 psf applies a factor of safety of only 2.0 (2,500 ÷ 2 = 1,250). While this might seem reasonable, it doesn't meet the standard engineering practice of using a 3.0 safety factor for foundation bearing capacity calculations, making it insufficiently conservative for safe foundation design.
Option B: 2,500 psf
2,500 psf uses no factor of safety, which means using the full ultimate bearing capacity. This is extremely dangerous as it provides no margin for error, soil variability, or unexpected loading conditions. Foundation design requires conservative approaches with appropriate safety factors.
Option C: 5,000 psf
5,000 psf exceeds the tested soil bearing capacity, which is physically impossible and unsafe. This value is double the ultimate capacity and would result in foundation failure. No foundation should be designed to bear more load than the soil can support.
Memory Technique
Remember 'Divide by THREE for safety' - Ultimate bearing capacity ÷ 3 = Allowable bearing pressure. Think '3 for me' to stay safe underground.
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