The 'bearing capacity' of soil increases with depth because:
Choose the correct answer
Groundwater table always rises with depth
Overburden surcharge q=γDf increases with depth, increasing contribution of Nq term in Terzaghi''s BC formula
Temperature is higher at depth
BC is constant with depth
Correct Answer
B. Overburden surcharge q=γDf increases with depth, increasing contribution of Nq term in Terzaghi''s BC formula
Why is this the answer?
BC increases with depth: (1) Terzaghi formula: qu = cNc + qNq + 0.5γBNγ where q = γDf (surcharge from overburden) increases with depth Df; (2) For cohesionless soils (c=0): qu = qNq + 0.5γBNγ — both q and γ terms increase; (3) Confinement from overburden increases friction mobilisation. This is why deep foundations (piles) can carry much higher loads than shallow footings.
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