Foundation-Shallow Foundation Capacity in Drained Soil

When the soil is under drained condition, self-weight of soil beneath founding plane and cohesion contributes to the bearing capacity of a shallow foundation.

Shape and bearing capacity factors recommended in Eurocode 7 are commonly used.

When water table is well below the founding plane, bulk density of soil should be used. Effective unit weight is used instead when water table is at ground level or above.

When water table is at the founding plane, effective unit weight should be adopted when calculating the contribution of soil beneath the footing, while bulk unit weight is used to determine that by the overlaying soil.