Reasonable determination of bearing capacity of foundation soils is a most important part of making full use of the bearing capacity of foundation soils. This paper analyzes the method suggested by the present code

and points out some shortcomings such as the corresponding relation between safety factor and settlement value is not clear and definite. In the practical application

the determination of the bearing capacity of stiff soil or low compressive foundation soils is usually conservative; while the soft soil

high compressive foundation soils and large-size foundation will at risks due to large settlement. Thus

a new solution method is proposed in this paper. That is

computing strength and deformation of a specific foundation by using strength and deformation parameters. Then

according to the double controlling method

the settlement requirement and strength safety factor requirement of the foundation soils

the bearing capacity of the foundation soils can be determined. Finally

by obtaining specific safety factor

settlement value and more reasonable bearing capacity of foundation

it is helpful to make better use of the bearing capacity of foundation soils in engineering design. At the same time

safety and engineering value are reached. When the in-situ plate loading test hasn’t reached limit state

one suggestion on determining strength parameters is using maximum test value. The simple double controlling principle is also suggested in this paper. A case study is presented to make application easier.