The GATE Grind

GATE 2017 CE (CE2) – Question 27

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

A 0.3 m × 0.3 m plate-load test on clay gives ultimate bearing capacity 180 kPa. The ultimate bearing capacity of a 2 m wide footing is ______ kPa.

  1. 27
  2. 180
  3. 1200
  4. 2000

Practise this question in The GATE Grind →

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (B) 180

Explanation

For undrained clay, the friction angle is zero, and the main bearing-capacity contribution depends on cohesion rather than footing width. For the comparable square footing, the ultimate bearing pressure therefore remains 180 kPa (B). Multiplying pressure by the width ratio is inappropriate for this clay comparison.