allowable bearing pressure

[sonnyson]

When a soil test(blows per foot) is used to determine an allowable bearing pressure for design at a certain depth below grade in sandy soil, does the weight of the soil and foundation above the bearing level need to be subtracted from the design value? My understanding is that no reduction for soil weight is needed, as the value already accounts for this and the footing can be sized based on applied load only.

 

[CarlB]

I agree with your understandng. I also recall this being discussed in a few threads, so if you do a search you'll find lots of opinions