研究目的:地基承载力是地基设计的一个基本问题，但目前各种规范在设计理论、设计参数上不统一,不同时期、不同行业关于地基承载力出现过很多专业术语。本文对承载力的基本概念及设计理论进行梳理，总 结我国建筑、港口、公路、铁路等行业地基承载力设计方法,为地基处理极限状态设计方法提供依据。
研究结论:（1)目前建筑、铁路等行业主要还是用安全系数法;港口规范按极限状态设计,其抗力分项系 数综合考虑了强度指标的可靠性、结构的安全性及地基土状况。（2)由于岩土工程的特殊性，对岩土工程领 域的极限状态设计方法要有正确的认识，应该重视工程经验与既有工程统计，规范勘察方法与设计参数，强调 概念设计与现场监测。（3)研究成果可指导铁路地基处理极限状态设计方法的研究。

Research purposes ：The foundation bearing capacity is a fundamental issue in design of foundation，but the current standards are different in design theories and design parameters, and there are lots of the different technical terms in different times and in different industries. In order to provide the basis for the limit state design method for the foundation treatment, the basic design concepts, design theories and design methods for determination of the bearing capacity of the foundations of building, harbour, highway and railway were summarized. 
Research conclusions ： ( 1 ) At present, the safety factor method is mainly used in the architecture and railway industries. The limit state design method is used for the harbour foundation and with this method，the reliability of strength index, the safety of the structure and the situation of the soil are comprehensively considered in the partial factors of the resisting force of the foundation. (2) Due to the particularity of the geotechnical engineering，the limit state method used for geotechnical engineering should be understood correctly，the previous statistical analysis and experiences should be focused on，the survey method and design parameter should be normalized and the conceptual design and the site monitoring should be emphasized. (3)The result can direct the research on the reinforcement of railway foundation with the limit state design method.