Practice Question: Eccentrically Loaded Foundation Bearing Pressure

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Solution

First, we verify the condition for eccentricity:

Given a column load P of 120 kips, a footing width B of 6 ft, and a footing length L of 14 ft, with an eccentricity e of 1 ft, the maximum bearing pressure \(q_{\text{max}}\) is to be calculated.

The condition for eccentricity is \(e \leq \frac{B}{6}\). Since  \(e = 1 \ ft \leq 1 \ ft\), the condition is satisfied.

The formula for  \(q_{\text{max}}\)is given by:

\[q_{\text{max}} = \frac{P}{BL} \left( 1 + \frac{6e}{B} \right)\]

Substitute the given values into the formula:

\[q_{\text{max}} = \frac{120 \text{ kips}}{6 \text{ ft} \cdot 14 \text{ ft}} \left( 1 + \frac{6 \cdot 1 \text{ ft}}{6 \text{ ft}} \right)\]

\[q_{\text{max}} = \frac{120}{84} \cdot 2\]

\[q_{\text{max}} = \frac{120}{42}\]

\[q_{\text{max}} = 2.86 \text{ kips/ft}^2\]

Therefore, the maximum bearing pressure at the interface is \(2.86 \text{ kips/ft}^2\), which corresponds to answer choice A.
 

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