This document discusses bearing capacity theory for shallow foundations. It describes three types of bearing capacity failure: general shear failure, local shear failure, and punching shear failure. Terzaghi's method for calculating bearing capacity is presented, which uses a factor safety approach based on the soil's friction angle and cohesion. The effects of groundwater, eccentric/inclined loads, layered soils, and field tests (SPT, CPT, PLT) on bearing capacity are also covered. The document provides equations and examples for calculating bearing capacity under different soil and loading conditions.