Existing buildings · Defined
Bearing capacity
The ability of soil or rock to support an applied foundation load under defined engineering criteria.
Why it matters
A capacity value is meaningful only with its basis, foundation geometry, depth, groundwater conditions, and settlement considerations. It should not be transferred between sites without engineering evaluation.
In practice
A project example
A footing recommendation depends on reaching a specified bearing stratum that must be confirmed during construction.
General educational guidance from KOW Building Consultants. Examples are illustrative, not project records. The applicable contract, standard, program, and jurisdiction control the requirements for a specific assignment.