A review and evaluation of the theoretical determination of bearing capacity and settlement of footings

The most accepted theories on bearing capacity of foundations are summarized. Factors influencing bearing capacity, such as varying ground water level, sloping ground surface, and eccentric and inclined loading, are reviewed. In addition, the most accepted methods of computing short-term, or "immediate," settlement of foundations are briefly explained. The results of twenty-four load-settlement tests on model and full-scale footings, up to failure conditions, are gathered, and they are compared to the theoretically computed bearing capacities and settlements. A variety of combinations of footing sizes, shapes, and depths and soil types are represented. Evaluations and recommendations, based on the comparisons of the load and settlement test results with the computed values, are made concerning the bearing capacity theories and settlement computation methods.