<p>Rock forms the foundation for civil engineering structures like buildings, bridges, and dams. Researchers determine the bearing capacity of these foundations by considering both rock mass failure and settlement criteria. When a load is applied, the underlying rock deforms, which can be categorized into two types: (1) immediate settlement and (2) time-dependent settlement (creep). This study investigates the bearing capacity of shallow foundations on weak rock masses by employing a settlement-based approach compared to the conventional shear failure criterion. The time-dependent behavior of the foundation response is modeled using the Burger-creep viscoplastic model (CVISC) implemented in the FLAC^3D numerical software. A numerical parametric study is conducted to explore the effects of various rock mass parameters, including Geological strength index (<i>GSI</i>), Kelvin viscosity, Kelvin shear modulus, and Maxwell viscosity on the ultimate bearing capacity. Both square and strip footing types are considered to evaluate the influence of geometry on the foundation response. The results demonstrate that in weak rock masses, settlement may govern the failure mechanism, and the long-term bearing capacity can be significantly reduced compared with the short-term condition. This highlights the importance of considering creep behavior and settlement criteria in the design of shallow foundations on weak rock masses.</p>