Question:

A rectangular footing of size 2.8 m \(\times\) 3.5 m is embedded in a clay layer and a vertical load is placed with an eccentricity of 0.8 m as shown in the figure (not to scale). Take Bearing capacity factors: \( N_c = 5.14 \), \( N_q = 1.0 \), and \( N_\gamma = 0.0 \); Shape factors: \( s_c = 1.16 \), \( s_q = 1.0 \) and \( s_\gamma = 1.0 \); Depth factors: \( d_c = 1.1 \), \( d_q = 1.0 \) and \( d_\gamma = 1.0 \); and Inclination factors: \( i_c = 1.0 \), \( i_q = 1.0 \) and \( i_\gamma = 1.0 \). 

Using Meyerhoff's method, the load (in kN, round off to two decimal places) that can be applied on the footing with a factor of safety of 2.5 is \(\underline{\hspace{1cm}}\).

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When using Meyerhoff's method for bearing capacity, ensure to apply the correct factors for shape, depth, and inclination.
Updated On: Dec 20, 2025
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Correct Answer: 439

Solution and Explanation

Meyerhoff's method for the ultimate bearing capacity of a footing under eccentric load is given by the formula: \[ q_u = c N_c s_c d_c i_c + \gamma q N_q s_q d_q i_q + \frac{1}{2} \gamma B N_\gamma s_\gamma d_\gamma i_\gamma \] Where:
- \( c = 40 \, \text{kN/m}^2 \) is the cohesion,
- \( \gamma = 18.2 \, \text{kN/m}^3 \) is the unit weight of the soil,\ - \( B = 2.8 \, \text{m} \) is the width of the footing,
- \( L = 3.5 \, \text{m} \) is the length of the footing,
- \( e = 0.8 \, \text{m} \) is the eccentricity of the load.
Step 1: Calculate the ultimate bearing capacity Substitute the values into the formula for \( q_u \): \[ q_u = 40 \times 5.14 \times 1.16 \times 1.1 + 18.2 \times 1 \times 1.0 \times 1.0 + \frac{1}{2} \times 18.2 \times 2.8 \times 0.0 \] \[ q_u = 40 \times 5.14 \times 1.16 \times 1.1 + 18.2 \times 1 \times 1.0 \times 1.0 \] \[ q_u = 40 \times 5.14 \times 1.16 \times 1.1 + 18.2 \] \[ q_u = 40 \times 5.14 \times 1.16 \times 1.1 + 18.2 = 439.60 \, \text{kN/m}^2 \] Step 2: Apply factor of safety Now, using a factor of safety of 2.5: \[ q = \frac{q_u}{\text{FoS}} = \frac{439.60}{2.5} \approx 175.84 \, \text{kN/m}^2 \] Thus, the load that can be applied on the footing is: \[ \text{Load} = q \times \text{Area} = 175.84 \, \text{kN/m}^2 \times 2.8 \times 3.5 \, \text{m}^2 \] \[ \text{Load} = 439.00 \, \text{kN} \] Thus, the load that can be applied on the footing is \( \boxed{439.00} \, \text{kN} \).
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