The authors acknowledge the observations of discussers Decourt and Rodriguez-Roa regarding the adequacy of the bearing capacity equations used in the research. The authors cite the differing views of the discussers, pointing to the concern raised by discusser Rodriguez-Roa that the wide variance in results might serve to entirely discredit the usefulness of the bearing capacity equation; while noting the point of discusser Decourt, who, citing others in agreement, believes that discrediting the bearing capacity equation is precisely the point. However, the authors, themselves, state the belief that the bearing capacity equation, as seen in the forms emerging from current research, should be embraced. The authors add that the purpose of the bearing capacity equation is to calculate the limit or plunging load of the footing. They claim to have not used it beyond its designed purpose. As for discusser Decourt's point that the bearing capacity equation (the so-called triple N formula) is wrong, the authors explain that the equation, initially proposed for the indentation of metals, has evolved over time to include more realistic geotechnical and foundation engineering problems (i.e. shape and depth, along with base, ground, and load inclinations). In its present form, the authors note the bearing capacity equation has high empirical content, despite being derived from rigorous analysis at the beginning. Addressing discusser Rodriguez-Roa's point about using experimental data to determine the validity of the bearing capacity equation, the authors believe that the final solution to the question must first come from establishing a proper analytical basis, as explored by the authors (e.g., Salgado et al. 2004, Lyamin et al. 2006, Martin 2005). These examples rigorously calculate limit loads and then follow this with proper validation against well-performed, well-instrumented load tests on properly and completely characterized soils. The authors note that the bearing capacity equation, even its traditional forms, was never designed to compute ultimate loads defined on a basis of a specific settlement value. The discussers agree with discusser Decourt about the bearing capacity formula having limitations in its present form. At the same time, the authors also agree with discusser Rodriguez-Roa about retaining the concept of the bearing capacity equation as a tool for geotechnical and foundation engineers. The authors predict that practitioners in the near future will be provided with both an extremely useful and nearly exact version of the bearing capacity formula; one that will have a small, precisely known level of uncertainty.