Typical values of customary safety factors, F.S., as presented by Bowels.

Failure
Mode

Foundation Type

F.S.

Shear

Earthwork for Dams, Fills, etc.

1.2 - 1.6

Shear

Retaining Walls

1.5 - 2.0

Shear

Sheetpiling, Cofferdams

1.2 - 1.6

Shear

Braced Excavations (Temporary)

1.2 - 1.5

Shear

Spread Footings

Shear

Mat Footings

1.7 - 2.5

Shear

Uplift for Footings

1.7 - 2.5

Seepage

Uplift, heaving

1.5 - 2.5

Seepage

Piping

2-3

3-5

Other customary factors of safety, F.S., used are:

1.5 for retaining walls overturning with granular backfill
2.0 for retaining walls overturning with cohesive backfill
1.5 for retaining walls sliding with active earth pressures
2.0 for retaining walls sliding with passive earth pressures