In a soil report describing sandy-gravel soil, the soil bearing value is most likely which value?

In a soil report describing sandy-gravel soil, the soil bearing value is most likely which value?

• A. 4000 psf
• B. 1500 psf
• C. 3000 psf
• D. 2000 psf

Answer: (C)

Soil bearing value—often called allowable bearing pressure—reflects the load a footing can safely transfer into the soil. Sandy-gravel soils are generally strong and well-drained, allowing higher bearing pressures than weaker soils like clay or silt. Among typical values, sandy-gravel commonly falls in the thousands of psf range, not the lower end. Therefore, 3000 psf best fits the expected strength of sandy-gravel soil for a standard footing. The other options are either more typical of weaker soils (1500–2000 psf) or would require unusually dense, exceptional material to reach around 4000 psf.

Soil bearing value—often called allowable bearing pressure—reflects the load a footing can safely transfer into the soil. Sandy-gravel soils are generally strong and well-drained, allowing higher bearing pressures than weaker soils like clay or silt. Among typical values, sandy-gravel commonly falls in the thousands of psf range, not the lower end.

Therefore, 3000 psf best fits the expected strength of sandy-gravel soil for a standard footing. The other options are either more typical of weaker soils (1500–2000 psf) or would require unusually dense, exceptional material to reach around 4000 psf.