The Vesic bearing capacity calculation method was developed as an improvement and extension of the earlier Terzaghi bearing capacity method. In this regard the Vesic method is also similar to the Hansen method and the Meyerhof method. The Vesic method uses a slightly more accurate shear failure surface and extends the use of the Terzaghi method to include slopes and inclined surfaces. The Vesic bearing capacity method is commonly used for marine and offshore applications where it is considered slightly more accurate than the Hansen method.
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Vesic Bearing Capacity Analysis
Shortly after Hansen’s method was published it was reviewed and amended by Vesic. The Vesic bearing capacity equation is easier to use compared with Hansen’s as there are less interdependent factors meaning that an optimized solution is easier to attain without a prolonged iterative process. This iterative process is however much simplified when undertaking the calculations using a spreadsheet rather than completing them by hand.
Vesic Bearing Capacity Equation
The Vesic bearing capacity equations are very similar to Hansen’s, except for the Nγ value. These equations are shown below.
Tabulated Values for the Bearing Capacity Factors
Similar to other methods the bearing capacity factors proposed by Vesic have been tabulated and illustrated in graphs in order to simplify hand calculations. Some examples of these tables and graphs are presented below.
Vesic Modification Factors
The Vesic bearing capacity theory includes the same number of modification factors as Hansen though some are calculated in slightly different ways. The equations for these modification factors are shown below.
These factors are explained using the below diagram.
Vesic Equation Conclusions
The Vesic equation is very similar to the Hansen method and in some cases the two are largely interchangeable. Hansen’s method remains more widely used though Vesic’s method is prominent in certain industries such as offshore. Generally it is useful to use both methods and compare the results, they will usually be in close agreement.
CivilWeb Soil Bearing Capacity Calculation Excel Suite
The CivilWeb Soil Bearing Capacity Calculation Excel Suite includes a tool for completing a Vesic bearing capacity analysis. The CivilWeb Soil Bearing Capacity Calculation Excel Suite also includes a unique comparison tool which allows the designer to instantly calculate the soils bearing capacity using 6 popular methods. The designer can then choose the most appropriate value or even an average value if required. This saves the designer a lot of time compared to completing multiple bearing capacity analysis calculations by hand.
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