What is the effect of water table on the bearing capacity of a foundation?

What is the effect of water table on the bearing capacity of a foundation?

Step 1: Understand what a water table is. It is the level below which the ground is saturated with water.
Step 2: Know that the bearing capacity of a foundation is the ability of the soil to support the weight of the structure above it.
Step 3: Realize that when the water table is high, it can affect the soil's strength.
Step 4: Learn that the presence of water increases pore water pressure in the soil, which can reduce the effective stress.
Step 5: Understand that effective stress is the stress that contributes to the soil's strength. When it decreases, the soil can become weaker.
Step 6: Recognize that buoyancy effects can occur, making the soil feel lighter and less able to support weight.
Step 7: Conclude that a high water table can lead to a lower bearing capacity for foundations, meaning they may not support as much weight safely.

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