Foundation-Shallow Foundation Capacity in Undrained Layered Soil

If a shallow foundation sits on layered cohesive soil, then its bearing capacity is influenced by the strength of both soil layers.

Both shape factor and bearing capacity factor are dependent of the ratio of the soil cohesion of the top layer to bottom layer.

Research has been conducted and charts are produced to determine both factors.

However, these charts are valid if the top layer overlays deep deposit of soil i.e. bottom layer.