Bodentragfähigkeit

Bodentragfähigkeit, often translated as soil bearing capacity or ground bearing capacity, refers to the ability of soil to support loads without excessive deformation or failure. It is a critical concept in geotechnical engineering, particularly in the design of foundations for structures like buildings, bridges, and roads. The bearing capacity is determined by the shear strength of the soil, which is influenced by factors such as the soil's type, density, moisture content, and internal friction angle.

Two main types of bearing capacity failure are considered: general shear failure and local or punching shear failure. General shear failure is a sudden and catastrophic collapse where the soil mass beneath the foundation ruptures. Local and punching shear failures involve more localized deformation beneath the foundation, which can still lead to significant structural problems.

Engineers use various methods to calculate the ultimate bearing capacity of soil, often employing formulas derived from theoretical models like Terzaghi's bearing capacity equation. These calculations consider the shape and depth of the foundation, as well as the soil properties. Safety factors are applied to the ultimate bearing capacity to determine the allowable bearing capacity, which is the maximum pressure the soil can safely withstand. Accurate assessment of bodentragfähigkeit is essential to ensure the stability and longevity of any structure built upon it.