Bearing Capacity (Prokon) 2

[Mgcini]

Hi,

I continue to find contrasting answers when I do bearing capacity calculations from Prokon and when I calculate on my own using the bearing capacity equations. In another case the difference for threefold. On the Prokon brochure, they do highlight that the BCap program uses Vesic's bearing capacity formula however when I try to correspond with the values from manual calculations and they is a huge difference. Te values from Prokon give very large outputs of bearing capacity especially at high angles of friction (>30 degrees).

If there is anyone who uses Prokon for bearing capacity calculations please help.

Kind regards

 

[MTNClimber]

Is there a technical manual that comes with the software? Usually software companies will provide backup on how they conduct their analyses.

 

[Mgcini]

Unfortunately the only document I have is the brochure to work with.

 

[MTNClimber]

Maybe reach out the to company directly. They may be able to provide you with some insight on how the program comes up with their BC values.

 

[fattdad]

Start with a hand calculation.
See if the computer agrees. If not, the hand-calculation is probably correct.

Is there some reason that you are using software to look at ultimate bearing capacity? In what way will you consider settlement? That's the more likely issue, from my experience.

f-d

ípapß gordo ainÆt no madre flaca!

 

[Mgcini]

Thank you for the responses guys, I will inquire more from them.

@fattdad, I ended up opting for hand calculations. I just found it concerning that I had two values before submitting the report which was due. I will analyse settlement on the detailed report, however thank you for the heads-up.

 

[BigH]

Mgcini - fattdad is right on. In many years of work, I have seldom actually done a "bearing capactity calculation" insofar as settlement nearly always controls. The only time, allowable bearing capactity = 2xSu as a quick check - but then the allowable bearing pressure is determined from settlement.