Subject: What tests are done to soil to determine weight bearing capacity?

I am trying to do research for my science project. I have looked up a lot of 
information about soil, but the harder questions aren't so easy to locate 
infomation for (without paying $100+). The sceince fair question is "What type 
of soil can bear the most weight, sandy, silt, clay, or loam? The research 
needed is..Does water affect the weight bearing capacity? Does the size of the 
area in contact with the the soil matter? Where can I find out which soils are 
best so I can make my hypothesis? I have done some research on geotechnical 
engineers, soil types, and a little on soil mechanics. I am not trying 
for "detailed" information about the tests, just what tests are done and a 
basic description? Any answers you can provide will be appreciated, as well as 
any guidance on where I may find useful information. (4 days looking on the 
internet and reading countless useless articles...not so good) Much of the 
information I have found on the internet has been way too advanced and other 
that a reference book and a magazine article, printed information hasn't been 
easy to locate.

Re: What tests are done to soil to determine weight bearing capacity?