For a foundation subjected to a vertical load, what is the primary mode of failu
Practice Questions
Q1
For a foundation subjected to a vertical load, what is the primary mode of failure?
Shear failure
Bearing capacity failure
Settlement failure
Tensile failure
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
For a foundation subjected to a vertical load, what is the primary mode of failure?
Step 1: Understand what a foundation is. A foundation is the part of a building that supports it and transfers its weight to the ground.
Step 2: Know that foundations can be subjected to different types of loads. A vertical load is the weight that pushes down on the foundation from the building above.
Step 3: Learn about soil and its ability to support weight. Soil has a limit to how much weight it can hold without failing.
Step 4: Recognize that when the weight on the foundation exceeds what the soil can support, it leads to a failure.
Step 5: Identify the type of failure that occurs. The primary mode of failure in this case is called 'bearing capacity failure.'
Step 6: Understand that bearing capacity failure means the soil is no longer able to hold the weight, which can cause the foundation to sink or collapse.
Bearing Capacity Failure – This occurs when the soil beneath a foundation cannot support the applied vertical load, leading to settlement or collapse.