What is the maximum load bearing soil capacity of a sandy soil classification?

What is the maximum load bearing soil capacity of a sandy soil classification?

• A. 2500 psf
• B. 2000 psf
• C. 1000 psf
• D. 1500 psf

Answer: (A)

Understanding soil bearing capacity: the maximum load a soil can safely carry without excessive settlement or failure depends on soil type. Sandy soils are granular and well-drained, giving them relatively high shear strength from internal friction and good drainage, which boosts their bearing capacity compared with finer, cohesive soils. In this set of options, the value that represents the higher end of sandy soil capacity is 2500 psf, so it’s the best choice. The other numbers—2000, 1500, and 1000 psf—reflect lower capacities that would correspond to less favorable conditions or different soil types.

Understanding soil bearing capacity: the maximum load a soil can safely carry without excessive settlement or failure depends on soil type. Sandy soils are granular and well-drained, giving them relatively high shear strength from internal friction and good drainage, which boosts their bearing capacity compared with finer, cohesive soils.

In this set of options, the value that represents the higher end of sandy soil capacity is 2500 psf, so it’s the best choice. The other numbers—2000, 1500, and 1000 psf—reflect lower capacities that would correspond to less favorable conditions or different soil types.