Total overburden pressure (σ or p)

Effective overburden pressure (σ' or p')

Gross loading intensity (total foundation pressure) (qg)

Net loading intensity (net foundation pressure) (qn)

Ultimate bearing capacity (qgf)

Net ultimate bearing capacity (qnf)

Presumed bearing value

Allowable gross bearing pressure (qag)

Allowable net bearing pressure (qan)

Factor of safety