This study investigated the empirical modelling of a typical square footing with a focus on predicting bearing capacity. To achieve the aim of the study, soil samples were collected from identified construction sites withjn Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state, Southwestern Nigeria. The samples were subjected to preliminary and geotechnical engineering tests, using standard procedure. The values of bearing capacity (square footing) of the soils were also computed using Terzaghi;s bearing capacity equation. Subsequently, Microsoft Excel tool was used to develop multilinear regression bearing capacity model models by relating computed bearing capacity values and experimental values of selected soil properties. Validation of the models showed moderate predictive capability, confirming the practicality of simplified approaches for preliminary design. The results demonstrate that soil gradation and plasticity significantly affect load-bearing behaviour. The findings highlight the importance of combining experimental data with numerical tools to improve accuracy in geotechnical design. The study contributes to sustainable infrastructure development by providing cost-effective and reliable methods for foundation analysis. Ultimately, the integration of statistical modelling offers a robust framework for optimising shallow foundation performance in heterogeneous soil conditions.
Keywords: Bearing capacity, Modelling, Sustainable Development, footing, foundation
