Bearing Capacity Factor Dependent on Cohesion Calculator

Bearing Capacity Factor Dependent on Cohesion given Angle of Shearing Resistance

Formula:

\[ N_c = (N_q - 1) \times \cot(\phi) \]

Bearing Capacity Factor dependent on Cohesion (N_c):

1. What is Bearing Capacity Factor Dependent on Cohesion?

Definition: N_c is a dimensionless factor used in geotechnical engineering to calculate the bearing capacity of soil, considering the cohesion component.

Purpose: It helps engineers determine the ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations in cohesive soils.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ N_c = (N_q - 1) \times \cot(\phi) \]

Where:

\( N_c \) — Bearing capacity factor dependent on cohesion
\( N_q \) — Bearing capacity factor dependent on surcharge
\( \phi \) — Angle of shearing resistance (degrees)

Explanation: The formula relates the cohesion factor to the surcharge factor and the soil's internal friction angle.

3. Importance of N_c Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of N_c is crucial for designing safe foundations that won't fail under load.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

Enter N_q value (typically ranges from 1 to 50)
Enter angle of shearing resistance (φ) in degrees (typically 0° to 45°)
Results include ±5% tolerance for practical applications

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical range for N_c?
A: N_c typically ranges from 5 to 37 for most soils.

Q2: How does φ affect N_c?
A: As φ increases, N_c decreases because the cotangent function decreases with increasing angle.

Q3: What if my soil has φ = 0°?
A: For φ = 0°, N_c = 5.14 (theoretical value for purely cohesive soils).

Q4: Where can I find N_q values?
A: N_q can be calculated using bearing capacity theory or found in geotechnical references.