Code of Massachusetts Regulations
780 CMR - STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
Chapter 18 - Soils and Foundations
Section 1806 - PRESUMPTIVE LOAD-BEARING VALUES OF SOILS
Subsection 1806.2 - Presumptive load-bearing values

Universal Citation: 780 CMR MA Code of Regs 1806.2
Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

The load-bearing values used in design for supporting soils near the surface shall not exceed the values specified in Table 1806.2 unless data to substantiate the use of higher values are submitted and approved. Where the building official has reason to doubt the classification, strength or compressibility of the soil, the requirements of Section 1803.5.2 shall be satisfied.

Presumptive load-bearing values shall apply to materials with similar physical characteristics and dispositions. Mud, organic silt, organic clays, peat or unprepared fill shall not be assumed to have a presumptive load-bearing capacity unless data to substantiate the use of such a value are submitted.

Exception: A presumptive load-bearing capacity shall be permitted to be used where the building official deems the load-bearing capacity of mud, organic silt or unprepared fill is adequate for the support of lightweight or temporary structures.

TABLE 1806.2 PRESUMPTIVE LOAD-BEARING VALUES

CLASS OF MATERIALS VERTICAL FOUNDATION PRESSURE (psf) LATERAL BEARING PRESSURE
(psf/ft below natural grade) 		LATERAL SLIDING RESISTANCE
Coefficient of frictiona Cohesion (psf)b
1.Crystalline bedrock 12,000 1,200 0.70 -
2.Sedimentary and foliated rock 4,000 400 0.35 -
3.Sandy gravel and/or gravel (GW and GP) 3,000 200 0.35 -
4.Sand, silty sand, clayey sand, silty gravel and clayey gravel (SW, SP, SM, SC, GM and GC) 2,000 150 0.25 -
5.Clay, sandy clay, silty clay, clayey silt, silt and sandy silt (CL, ML, MH and CH) 1,500 100 - 130

For SI: 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa, 1 pound per square foot per foot = 0.157 kPa/m.
a. Coefficient to be multiplied by the dead load.
b. Cohesion value to be multiplied by the contact area, as limited by Section 1806.3.2.

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