(1) Empirical values.- The net loading intensity applied to the subsoil shall not exceed the maximum allowable bearing pressure of the subsoil, and such maximum allowable bearing pressure shall in no case exceed the maximum safe bearing capacity of the subsoil.

(2) In the absence of tests or other supporting evidence, and subject to the provisions of section 6, the maximum safe bearing capacity of the subsoil shall be deemed to be set out in the Table

(3) Where there is any doubt as to the classification of a subsoil, the decision of the local authority shall be accepted in the absence of professional expert advice.

(4) In arriving at the value of the maximum allowable bearing pressure in any particular case, account shall be taken of the amount and kind of settlement which may be permitted in the building or structure.

(5) Assessed values of maximum allowable bearing bearing pressure on subsoil.- The value of the maximum safe bearing capacity of the subsoil and the maximum allowable bearing pressure on the subsoil may be assessed by a person who, to the satisfaction of the local authority, is qualified by training and experience to do so.

(6) Such person shall embody such assessments in a report which he shall lodge with the local authority, which may accept and adopt assessment.

(7) If the local authority is not satisfied with the report, it may call for a second assessment of the value of the maximum bearing allowable bearing pressure thereon by a second and similarly qualified independent investigator

(8) The second investigator shall submit his assessment in a report to the local authority, which shall be entitled, if the assessed values in the two reports differ, to decide which shall be adopted.

(9) The maximum allowable bearing pressure on the subsoil shall not exceed the assessed value thereof which has been adopted in terms of subsection(6) or (8).

TABLE
MAXIMUM BEARING CAPACITY FOR SUBSOILS UNDER HORIZONTAL FOUNDATIONS AT 600 MILLIMETERS DEPTH BELOW THE ADJOINING FINISHED GROUND-LEVEL SUBJECT TO VERTICAL STATIC LOADING