Bearing Capacity Assessments (BCA) are undertaken to ensure the soil foundation is able to support the proposed loading, whether it is for a Residential Dwelling, or for a 300 tonne Piling Rig Platform. The ultimate and allowable bearing capacity of soils is a complex concept which requires expert knowledge of soil mechanics, taking into account the particle size distribution, cohesion, density, moisture content, and depth of the underlying soils.

Coarse grained soils (sand and gravel blends) are best assessed using Plate Load Testing, and fine grained soils (silts and clays) are best assessed using a Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP).

DCP testing is commonly undertaken at the base of pad and strip footing excavations and can even be used to assess the base of pier footings using casing (3.0m max test depth). Bearing Capacity Assessments are also regularly undertaken at the location of crane outriggers to ensure the soil can safely support the crane working loads.