What is defined as the load soil can withstand without shear failure?

The term that describes the load soil can withstand without shear failure is the Allowable Bearing Capacity. This is a critical concept in geotechnical engineering, as it indicates the maximum load that can be applied to the soil without risking shear failure.

Allowable Bearing Capacity takes into account various factors including the soil type, the depth of the foundation, and safety factors to ensure that the load is within safe limits. It is derived from the ultimate bearing capacity through a reduction process, accounting for safety factors based on the anticipated load conditions, soil variability, and other uncertainties.

Understanding this concept is vital for civil engineers when designing foundations, as exceeding the Allowable Bearing Capacity can lead to catastrophic failures resulting in structural damage or even collapse. Hence, it is essential to calculate and utilize the Allowable Bearing Capacity in the foundation design process to ensure stability and safety.