Observations on Load and Strength Factors in Bearing Capacity Analysis

Abstract

The widely differing factors of safety obtained by strength reduction and load increase in the ultimate bearing capacity of foundations have been reexamined analytically. In most cases, factors of safety based on load increase need to be higher than those based on strength reduction to achieve the same level of safety in design. The greater sensitivity of foundation systems to strength reduction over load increase may impact the choice of factors in ultimate limit state design.