Load‑bearing capacity is a fundamental geotechnical and structural engineering parameter representing the maximum magnitude of external load that a foundation, structural component, or geomaterial system can sustain without experiencing catastrophic failure or excessive irreversible deformation [1][2]. It describes the limiting load state at which the material or structural system reaches its internal strength limit, where shear rupture, plastic collapse, or instability occurs within the loaded domain [3][4]. Load‑bearing capacity accounts for intrinsic material mechanical properties as well as geometric boundary conditions of the element or ground system under consideration [2].[5]
- Bearing failure
- Ultimate bearing capacity
- Shallow foundation
- Shear strength
Structural Engineering and Materials Analysis • Civil and Structural Engineering • Engineering • Physical Sciences
References
- Meyerhof, G. G.; Some Recent Research on the Bearing Capacity of Foundations. Canadian Geotechnical Journal 1963, 1, 16-26, https://doi.org/10.1139/t63-003.
- Vesic, A. S.; Analysis of ultimate loads of shallow foundations. Journal of the Soil Mechanics and Foundations Division 1973, 99, 45‑73, https://doi.org/10.1061/JSFEAQ.0001846.
- Ukritchon, B., Yoang, S., and Keawsawasvong, S.; Bearing capacity of shallow foundations in clay with linear increase in strength and adhesion factor. Marine Georesources and Geotechnology 2018, 36, 438-451, https://doi.org/10.1080/1064119X.2017.1326991.
- Zavala Ascaño, G.; Santos Rodriguez, R.; Ariza Flores, V.A.; Enhancing Pavement Performance Through Organosilane Nanotechnology: Improved Roughness Index and Load-Bearing Capacity. Eng 2025, 6, 71, https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4117/6/4/71.
- Terzaghi K. Theoretical Soil Mechanics; ., Eds.; Wiley: Hoboken, NJ, USA, 1943; pp. .. [CrossRef]