A soil report indicates clay soil with a bearing capacity of 2,500 psf. What is the maximum load that can be safely supported by a 4' x 6' footing?
Correct Answer
A) 60,000 pounds
The footing area is 4' × 6' = 24 square feet. Maximum load = 24 sq ft × 2,500 psf = 60,000 pounds. This calculation determines the safe bearing capacity for the given footing size.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option C is correct because the maximum safe load is calculated by multiplying the footing area by the soil bearing capacity. The footing area is 4 feet × 6 feet = 24 square feet. When multiplied by the bearing capacity of 2,500 pounds per square foot (psf), the result is 24 × 2,500 = 60,000 pounds. This represents the maximum load the soil can safely support under this footing without exceeding the allowable bearing pressure.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 50,000 pounds
Option D (75,000 pounds) is incorrect because it would require 3,125 psf bearing capacity (75,000 ÷ 24 sq ft), which exceeds the soil's safe bearing capacity of 2,500 psf and could cause foundation failure.
Option D: 45,000 pounds
Option A (45,000 pounds) is incorrect because it represents only 1,875 psf bearing capacity (45,000 ÷ 24 sq ft), which underutilizes the soil's actual 2,500 psf capacity.
Memory Technique
Remember 'ABC' - Area × Bearing Capacity = Maximum load. Think 'Area Before Capacity' to remember the calculation order.
Reference Hint
Florida Building Code, Chapter 18 - Soils and Foundations, or reference tables for soil bearing capacities and foundation design calculations.
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