Factors Affecting Bearing Capacity

The following factors directly or indirectly affect the bearing capacity of soil:

1. Type of soil (i.e., homogeneous, layered, expansive, etc.) and its physical and engineering properties.
2. Initial stress condition of the soil due to pre-history and due to the existing structure in and around the proposed foundation.
3. Location of ground water in the soil and its fluctuations with time.
4. Type of foundation (i.e., shallow or deep), and other factors such as shape, size, and rigidity condition of the foundation.
5. Depth and location of foundation.
6. Allowable settlement of the foundation which shall not be detrimental to the functioning of the foundation.
7. Natural calamities such as earthquake, flood, heavy wind, etc., of the region where the structure has to be located.