NCEES Sample Question & Solutions: Civil - Geotechnical

[bulllgator]

Can someone familiar with bearing capacity help me out here? The NCEES sample questions and solutions for the Civil - Geotechnical section consistently leaves out the depth of footing (Df) term in their solutions. Specifically in question 526 regarding a 7 ft deep mat footing, the solution disregards the Df term. Any ideas why? Haven't seen this in any other practice problems or solutions. THANKS!

 

[geo pe]

I dont have the question in front of me but I can think of only two reasons:

1. Either the footing is on the ground.

2. Or the soil is cohesionless (sand).

Hope it helps!

 

[wvgirl14]

Just my interperation. It says the bottom of the footing is at 7 ft not that it is below the surface.