API 650

Foundation
A) Foundation tests:
1) Soil Boring
2) Load Test
3) Sampling
4) Laboratory Test
B) Foundation should higher then surrounding soil.

C) Soil bearing pressure

This based on Terzaghi bearing capacity theory.
Def:
Capacity of soil to support the load applied to the ground.
Bearing capacity is the theoretical maximum pressure which can be supported without
failure.

Ranges
2.0 to 3.0 against ultimate bearing failure for normal operating conditions.
1.5 to 2.25 against bearing failure during hydro static test.
1.5 to 2.25 against bearing failure for operating conditions plus wind or seismic failure.