Allowable Bearing Capacity Formulas

Description of symbols used in bearing capacity equations

Symbol	Unit	Description
\(q_a\)	kPa	Allowable bearing capacity
\(N\)	–	Corrected SPT N-value
\(f_d\)	–	Depth factor
\(c_w\)	–	Water correction factor
\(S\)	mm	Tolerable settlement
\(B\)	m	Width of foundation footing
\(D_f\)	m	Depth of foundation footing
\(D_w\)	m	Depth of water below ground level