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GATE 2016 CE (CE2) – Question 21

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

A strip footing is resting on the surface of a purely clayey soil deposit. If the width of the footing is doubled, the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil

  1. becomes double
  2. becomes half
  3. becomes four-times
  4. remains the same

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (D) remains the same

Explanation

For a surface strip footing in purely cohesive soil, φ=0 and the γBNγ term vanishes. With zero embedment surcharge, Terzaghi ultimate bearing pressure reduces to cNc. It is independent of width, so doubling width leaves ultimate bearing capacity as a pressure **unchanged, D**. Total ultimate load would increase with area.