Ultimate Bearing Capacity Formulas

Description of symbols used in bearing capacity equations

Symbol	Unit	Description
\(q_u\)	kPa or \(kN/m^2\)	Ultimate bearing capacity
\(c\)	kPa or \(kN/m^2\)	Cohesion of soil
\(q\)	kPa or \(kN/m^2\)	Overburden pressure of soil
\(\gamma\)	\(kN/m^3\)	Unit weight of soil
\(B\)	m	Width of foundation footing
\(N_c\), \(N_q\), \(N_{\gamma}\)	–	Bearing capacity factors
\(s_c\), \(s_q\), \(s_{\gamma}\)	–	Shape factors
\(d_c\), \(d_q\), \(d_{\gamma}\)	–	Depth factors
\(i_c\), \(i_q\), \(i_{\gamma}\)	–	Inclination factors