What is the load bearing value (PSF) of sandy gravel?

What is the load bearing value (PSF) of sandy gravel?

• A. 3,000 psf
• B. 4,000 psf
• C. 2,000 psf
• D. 1,500 psf

Answer: (A)

The load-bearing value per square foot shows how much pressure the soil beneath a foundation can safely carry. Sandy gravel, being a coarse-grained soil with good drainage and interparticle friction, provides solid bearing capacity when it’s compacted and dry. A typical design value used for sandy gravel is about 3,000 psf, reflecting a reliable, commonly encountered capacity for planning foundations. In practice, engineers confirm with site tests, and the exact value can vary with moisture, compaction, and depth. Values around 1,500 or 2,000 psf usually indicate weaker or less compacted soils, while around 4,000 psf would require unusually dense gravel or exceptional conditions. So 3,000 psf is the best representation for sandy gravel in standard situations.

The load-bearing value per square foot shows how much pressure the soil beneath a foundation can safely carry. Sandy gravel, being a coarse-grained soil with good drainage and interparticle friction, provides solid bearing capacity when it’s compacted and dry. A typical design value used for sandy gravel is about 3,000 psf, reflecting a reliable, commonly encountered capacity for planning foundations.

In practice, engineers confirm with site tests, and the exact value can vary with moisture, compaction, and depth. Values around 1,500 or 2,000 psf usually indicate weaker or less compacted soils, while around 4,000 psf would require unusually dense gravel or exceptional conditions. So 3,000 psf is the best representation for sandy gravel in standard situations.