For a sandy-gravel soil, what is the soils load bearing value?

For a sandy-gravel soil, what is the soils load bearing value?

• A. 4000 psf
• B. 1500 psf
• C. 3000 psf
• D. 2000 psf

Answer: (C)

Granular soils like sandy-gravel have a higher bearing capacity because the particles interlock and drain well, which reduces pore pressure under load. This allows footing pressures to be higher than for softer, clayey soils. For typical design, the allowable bearing pressure for sandy-gravel soils is about 3000 pounds per square foot. Values around 1500 or 2000 psf are used for softer soils, while 4000 psf would require unusually dense or well-tested conditions. So, the soil load bearing value is 3000 psf.

Granular soils like sandy-gravel have a higher bearing capacity because the particles interlock and drain well, which reduces pore pressure under load. This allows footing pressures to be higher than for softer, clayey soils. For typical design, the allowable bearing pressure for sandy-gravel soils is about 3000 pounds per square foot. Values around 1500 or 2000 psf are used for softer soils, while 4000 psf would require unusually dense or well-tested conditions. So, the soil load bearing value is 3000 psf.