Part 1: Shallow Foundation: Introduction and Basics of Bearing Capacity 

This video discuses the introduction part of bearing capacity of shall foundation. This is part of one multi-part series of Bearing Capacity chapter.
Foundation: The lowest part of a structure which is in contact with soil and transmits loads to it.
Foundation soil or bed: The soil or bed to which loads are transmitted from the base of the structure.
Footing: The portion of the foundation of the structure, which transmits loads directly to the foundation soil.
Bearing capacity: The load-carrying capacity of foundation soil or rock which enables it to bear and transmit loads from a structure.
Ultimate bearing capacity: Maximum pressure which a foundation can withstand with out the occurrence of shear failure of the foundation.
Gross bearing capacity: The bearing capacity inclusive of the pressure exerted by the weight of the soil standing on the foundation, or the ‘surcharge’ pressure, as it is sometimes called.
Net bearing capacity: Gross bearing capacity minus the original overburden pressure or surcharge pressure at the foundation level; obviously, this will be the same as the gross capacity when the depth of foundation is zero, i.e., the structure is founded at ground level.
Safe bearing capacity: Ultimate bearing capacity divided by the factor of safety. The factor of safety in foundation may range from 2 to 5, depending upon the importance of the structure, and the soil profile at the site.
Allowable bearing pressure: The maximum allowable net loading intensity on the soil at which the soil neither fails in shear nor undergoes excessive or intolerable settlement, detrimental to the structure