Technical Guidance Note (Level 1, No. 19): Soil bearing capacity

One of the most common structural elements, these are normally found in residential properties, but also in medium-sized commercial developments. This note explains the principles behind their design and provides a worked example. In accordance with BS EN 1995-1-1 Eurocode 5: Design of Timber Structures – Part 1-1: General – Common rules and rules for buildings . Updated in October 2016.

There are several variations and conditions the designer must be aware of when determining wind loads on structures. Based on Eurocode 1: Actions on Structures Part 1-4; General Actions – Wind Actions , this note draws on the UK National Annex as it makes reference to wind speeds that are unique to the UK.

This note describes the basic knowledge required to read structural drawings.