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GATE 2018 CE (CE1) – Question 21

Geotechnical Engineering · Shallow foundations: bearing capacity, combined footing, raft, settlement · 1 mark · Multiple choice

A surface square footing’s width equals a surface circular footing’s diameter on sand. The ratio of circular to square ultimate bearing capacities is ______.

  1. 4/3
  2. 1
  3. 3/4
  4. 2/3

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (C) 3/4

Explanation

At the surface on sand, Terzaghi shape expressions give square capacity $0.4\gamma BN_\gamma$ and circular capacity $0.3\gamma BN_\gamma$. Equal B therefore gives ratio $0.3/0.4=3/4$ (C).