Introduction:

Among the failure criteria based on Mohr's theory, the most commonly used ones are the Coulomb and the Hoek & Brown. Both criteria provide approximate solutions for the limit envelope and do not analyze their applicability to the specific conditions under which a construction project is executed.

Objectives:

To develop a procedure based on Mohr's theory that allows the prediction of the bearing capacity of the geological massif under field conditions.

Methods:

In this study, it is applied an empirical method of scientific investigation. By conducting simple laboratory tests on intact material, they are determined the parameters related to the limit stress state.

Results:

With a minimal number of tests (a total of five), it is obtained the Mohr's limit envelope with greater precision, enabling the prediction of failure criteria. The procedure is complemented by electronic tabulation for performing calculations.

Conclusions:

The procedure presented facilitates the prediction of the bearing capacity of the geological massif where the construction is carried out.

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