1. What is Depth of Footing?

Depth of Footing refers to the vertical distance from the ground surface to the base of the foundation. It is a critical parameter in foundation design that affects the stability and load-bearing capacity of structures.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( D \) — Depth of Footing (m)
• \( \sigma_{min} \) — Minor Principal Stress in Soil (Pa)
• \( \gamma \) — Unit Weight of Soil (N/m³)

Explanation: This formula calculates the required depth of footing based on the minor principal stress in the soil and the unit weight of the soil mass.

3. Importance of Depth Calculation

Details: Accurate depth calculation is essential for ensuring foundation stability, preventing settlement issues, and maintaining structural integrity under various loading conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the minor principal stress in Pascals (Pa) and unit weight of soil in Newton per cubic meter (N/m³). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is minor principal stress in soil?
A: Minor principal stress is the minimum normal stress acting on a soil element, representing the least compressive stress in the soil mass.

Q2: How is unit weight of soil determined?
A: Unit weight of soil is typically determined through laboratory tests on soil samples, considering both solid particles and void spaces.

Q3: What factors affect depth of footing?
A: Soil type, load magnitude, groundwater conditions, frost depth, and adjacent structures all influence the required depth of footing.

Q4: When is this formula most applicable?
A: This formula is particularly useful for preliminary design calculations and simple foundation systems in homogeneous soil conditions.

Q5: Are there limitations to this calculation method?
A: Yes, this simplified approach may not account for complex soil-structure interaction, layered soils, or dynamic loading conditions that require more sophisticated analysis.