Bearing capacity question

[ketanco]

Hello,

For a retaining wall , which obviously have one side of soil higher than the other, when we calculate the bearing capacity, do we take the shallower depth or higher depth? why?

Also did anyone see any meyehof chart for bearing capacity factors anywhere? i can not seem to find it

 

[Lomarandil]

I'd take the shallow depth, since your maximum bearing pressure will occur at the toe (due to overturning).

In the 3rd edition of Das, the bearing capacity factors are tables 12.2 and 12.3. I don't know if that will be of any help.

Lo

 

[MikeMcC215]

It would depend of the max overburden of the shallow side.

 

[Lomarandil]

Ah, good point.. I assumed backfilling or building up a slope, but a braced cut would act differently.