This lecture covers the basic theory of bearing capacity and how geotechnical engineers predict it for basic shallow foundations.

Learning Objectives:
1) Explain the difference between settlementinduced vertical deformations and bearing capacityinduced vertical deformations in soil.

2) Explain the difference between general shear failure and local shear failure in bearing capacity.

3) Explain the three components to bearing capacity from Terzaghi's bearing capacity equation.

4) Compute ultimate bearing capacity for a strip, square, or circular load.

5) Compute the allowable bearing capacity.