Lecture Note 1

SPREAD
FOOTINGS
Subject Contents

1. Lecture 1 Spread footings

2. Lecture 2 Strap footings, combined footing, mat foundations

2.1 Lesson 1: Strap Footing
2.2 Lesson 2: Combined Footing
2.3 Lesson 3: Mat foundations

3. Lecture 3 Analysis and design for axial tension

4. Lecture 4 Retaining walls

5. Lecture 5 Sheet piling walls

INTRODUCTION
This module refers to the design of shallow foundation which applies the previous topics on
properties of soils as the basis of design criteria in designing the building/structure
foundations.

The topics to be discussed in this module are:

1. Plain concrete footing and wall footing

2. Square footing and rectangular footing , and
3. Combined footing

FOUNDATION ENGINEERING
Foundation engineering is actually a combination of soil mechanics and engineering geology.
Significant engineering properties of soil deposit, such as strength, compressibility, soil
density, water content, void ratio, degree of saturation are used in calculation to determine the
bearing capacity of foundations, to estimate foundation settlement and stability of earth
slopes. This information helps to define the condition of a soil deposit for its suitability as a
foundation of construction material. For this reason, an understanding of the terminology and
definitions relating to soil composition is fundamental to the study of soil mechanics.

The title foundation engineer is given to that person who by reason of training and experience
is sufficiently versed in scientific principles and engineering judgment (often termed “art”) to
design a foundation. We might say engineering judgment is the creative part of this design
process.

The necessary scientific principles are acquired though formal education courses in
geotechnical (soil mechanics, geology, foundation engineering) and structural (analysis, design
in reinforced concrete and steel, etc.) engineering and continued self-study via short courses,
professional conferences, journal reading, and the like.

The following steps are the minimum required for designing a foundation.

1. Locate the site and the position of load. A rough estimate of the foundation load(s) is
usually provided by the client or made in-house.

2. Physically inspect the site for any geological or other evidence that may indicate a potential
design problem that will have to be taken into account when making the design or giving a
design recommendation.

3. Establish the field exploration program and, on the basis of discovery (or what is found in
the initial phase), set up the necessary field testing and any laboratory test program.

4. Determine the necessary soil design parameters based on integration of test data, scientific
principles, and engineering judgment.
5. Design the foundation using soil parameters from step 4. The foundation should be
economical and be able to be built by the available construction personnel.

The foundation engineer should be experienced in and have participation in all five of the
preceding steps.

FOUNDATIONS: THEIR IMPORTANCE AND PURPOSE

All engineered construction resting on the earth must be carried by some kind of interfacing
element called a foundation (also called substructure). The foundation is a part of an
engineered system that transmits to, and into, the underlying soil or rock the loads supported
by the foundation and it’s self-weight. The resulting soil stresses-except at the ground surface-
are in addition to those presently existing in the earth mass from its self-weight and geological
history.

The term superstructure is commonly used to describe the engineered part of the system
bringing load to the foundation, or structure. The term superstructure has particular
significance for buildings and bridges; however, foundations also may vary carry only
machinery, support industrial equipment (pipes, towers, tanks), act as sign bases, and the like.
For these reasons it is better to describe a foundation as that part of the engineered system
that interfaces the load-carrying components to the ground.

It is evident on the basis of this definition that a foundation is the most important part of the
engineering system.
LECTURE 1

Overview

Foundation engineering is one of the most given an attention in construction phase. At the
start of the design phase, the design engineer is more opt to consider the parameters in
design criteria. One of this is to classify the soil through analysis by means of sieves
analysis.

More incidents have been recorded for the structural instability because of inappropriate
consideration of soil investigation, that’s why most of the structural engineers are aware the
status of the soil structure.

In this module, we will tackle the design of different types of footing. The figures below are
some types of footing that will center our focus on this subject.

FOOTINGS: CLASSIFICATION AND PURPOSE

A footing carrying a single column is called a spread footing, since its function is to “spread”
the column load laterally to the soil son that the stress intensity is reduced to a value that
the soil can safely carry. These members are sometimes called single or isolated footing.

Wall footings serve a similar purpose of spreading the wall load to the soil.

Spread footings with tension reinforcing may be called two-way or one-way depending on
whether the steel used for bending runs both ways (usual case) or in one direction (as is
common for wall footings)

Single footings may be of constant thickness or either stepped or sloped. Stepped or sloped
footings are most to reduced the quantity of concrete away from the column where the
bending moments are small and when the footing is not reinforced.

Footings are designed to resist the full dead load delivered by the column. The live load
contribution may be either the full amount for one- or two storey buildings or a reduced
value as allowed by the local building code for multistory structures.

A pedestal may be used to interface metal columns with spread or wall footings that are
located at the depth in the ground. This prevents possible corrosion of metal through direct
contact with the soil.
Common Types of Footings
Depth of Footings

Footings should be carried below the top (organic) soil, miscellaneous fill, abandoned foundation,
debris, or muck. If the top soil is too deep, two alternatives may be used depending upon the relative
economy and the time available:

(a) Removing the top soil directly under the footing and replacing it with lean concrete

(b) Removing the top soil in an area larger than the footing and replace with compacted sand and
gravel fill. The area of the compacted fill should be sufficiently large to distribute the footing
load.
Footing should be carried below the depth of frost penetration. In heated buildings, the
interior footings are not affected by frost; therefore they may be as high as other
requirements permit.

It is not good practice to place footings on the ground surface even in localities where
freezing temperatures do not occur because of the possibility of surface erosion. The
minimum depth of footings should be 300 mm for one and two storey dwellings and stores,
600 mm for heavier construction.

Footings on sloping ground should have sufficient edge distance (minimum 600 to 900
mm) as protection against erosion.

The difference in footing elevations should not be so great as to introduce undesirable

overlapping of stresses in soil. This is generally avoided by maintaining the maximum
difference in elevation equal to, or equal to one half of the clear distance between two
footings. This requirement is also necessary to prevent disturbance of soil under the higher
footing due to excavation for the lower footing.
Bearing Capacity of Soils under Footings and Mat Foundations

A. Bearing capacity of granular soils.

The bearing capacity of granular soil depends upon the unit weight γ and the angle of
internal friction φ of the soil, both of which vary primarily with the relative density of
the soil. Compact or dense soils have largely γ and φ values as consequently high bearing
capacity. Compact soils are naturally not very compressible, therefore cause little
settlement. Loose soils, on the other hand, have small γ and φ values, and low bearing
power. Even under moderate loads loose soils may suffer large settlement. This is
particularly true when the soil is subjected to vibration.

The relative of granular soil in situ is generally determined by standard penetration tests
or SPT.

The N values (standard penetration resistance) and ϕ values (angle of internal friction)
of granular soils has been established empirically, and is shown in Table 3.4.
The allowable bearing pressure based on ultimate capacity.

This allowable pressure is equal to the ultimate bearing capacity divided by an

appropriate factor of safety. A factor of safety of 3 is usually used under normal loading
conditions and a factor of safety of 2 under combined maximum load. The ultimate
bearing capacity of granular soils can be computed by the empirical equations,

For square footing:

′
𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = 2𝑁 2 𝐵𝑅𝑤 + 6(100 + 𝑁 2 )𝐷𝑅𝑤

For very long footings:

′
𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = 3𝑁 2 𝐵𝑅𝑤 + 5(100 + 𝑁 2 )𝐷𝑅𝑤

Where qult = net ultimate bearing pressure, psf;

= pressure at bottom of footing in excess of the pressure at the same
level due to the weight of the soil immediately surrounding the
footing.
N = standard penetration resistance, number of blows per foot, N values
should be adjusted if the penetration test is made at shallow depth
B = width of footing, ft (m)
D = depth of footing, ft (m), measured from ground surface to bottom of
footing. If the ground levels on both sides of footing are not equal, D
should be measured from the lowest ground. If D > B, use D = B for
computation.
 Rw and R’w = correction factors for position of water level. When the water level is
below the bottom of footing, R’w = 1.0; and when water level is above
the bottom of footing, Rw = 0.5.

Figure 6-4 Correction factor for position of water level: (a) depth of water level with respect to
dimension of footing; (b) water level above base of footing; (c) water level below base of footing.
After AREA.

The allowable bearing pressure based on tolerable settlement.

This allowable bearing pressure has been established empirically (Terzaghi and Peck,
1948) and may be expressed by the equation:

𝐵+1 2 ′
𝑞𝑎 = 720(𝑁 − 3) ( ) 𝑅𝑤
2𝐵

Where qa = net allowable bearing pressure in N/mm2 for maximum settlement of 25

mm. It should be taken as the pressure at the bottom of the footing in excess of the
soil immediately surrounding the footing.
B. Bearing capacity of clay and clayey soils. The ultimate bearing capacity of these soils
depends upon its consistency (or shear strength). The consistency can be determined by:

Standard Penetration Tests

For small jobs where a better economy can be achieved by using a conservative design
value based on simple test results, the standard penetration tests is used. The
relationship between the standard penetration resistance, the consistency of soil, and
the allowable bearing capacity as indicated in the accompanying table (Terzaghi and
Peck, 1948) is very approximate.

Unconfined compression tests. For average projects the consistency of soil

should be determined by unconfined compression tests of samples taken with thin-
walled steel tuning known as Shelby tubes. The ultimate bearing capacity is
(Skempton,1951):
𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = 𝑐𝑁𝑐

Where qult = net ultimate bearing capacity,

c = cohesion = ½ unconfined compression strength,
Nc = bearing capacity factor of clay which depends on the shape of the
footing
 If the clay under the footing (within a depth equal to the width of the footing)
consists of two layers, the bearing capacity may be determined by the following
equation (Buttons, 1953)

𝑞 = 𝑐1 𝑁𝑐1

Where c1 = cohesion of the soil in the upper layer, tons/sq.ft.

N’c = bearing capacity of two-layer system, Figure 6.6.

Figure 6.6 Ultimate bearing capacity of clay (two-layer system). From S. J. Button.

Triaxial tests. For very large projects, the shear strength may be determined from
triaxial tests of undisturbed samples. The test results are plotted in terms of the
following parameters
𝑠 = 𝑐 + (𝜎 − 𝑢) tan 𝜑
Where s = shear strength
c = cohesion
σ = total normal stress,
u = pore water pressure
φ = angle of internal friction
C. Bearing capacity of silts, loesses, and organic soils.

Silt. Unless it is very hard or dense, silt is often a poor foundation soil, and should be
avoided for supporting footings.
Loess. Natural deposits of loess in the dry state generally have moderate or low bearing
capacity. Upon wetting they lose a large portion of their strength and may suffer large
settlement.
Organic soils. When a soil contains a large amount of organic matter with visible
vegetable matter or organic odor, it is not suitable for supporting footings. When in
doubt the organic content should be determined in the laboratory.

D. Bearing capacity of compacted fills. Soils ranging from plastic clay to sand and
gravel have been used for compacted fill to support structures. The bearing capacity of
fill depends largely on the type of soil and the degree of compaction. A well compacted
sand and/or gravel is capable of supporting large pressure whereas a poorly compacted
clay has extremely low bearing capacity. The bearing capacity of compacted fill may be
determined before or after the placement of the fill:

Determine the bearing capacity before placement of the compacted fill. Usually the
soil is compacted to 90 – 100 per cent of the maximum density as determined by the
standard or the modified compaction tests. If the soil is cohesive, samples having the
desired degree of compaction may be tested to determine the unconfined
compression strength (or the c and φ value by triaxial compression tests). From the
unconfined strength (or c, φ values) the bearing capacity can be evaluated in the
same manner as for natural soil deposits.
Determine the bearing capacity after placement of fill. Fills not placed under field
control should not be used for supporting footings. Otherwise the condition must be
thoroughly explored before being used. In order to determine the bearing capacity of
the fill in place, soil borings and tests must be made in the same manner as for
natural deposits.

E. Bearing capacity of rocks. Almost all rocks can withstand a compressive stress
higher than concrete. Following are some of the expectations:
Limestones with cavities and fissures which may be filled with clay or silt.
Rocks with bedding planes, folds, faults, or joints at an angle with the bottom of
footing.
Soft rocks often reduce their after wetting. Weather rocks are very treacherous.
Shales may become clay or silt in a matter of hours of soaking.
The common sandstones and limestones have modulus of elasticity from that of a
poor concrete to high strength concrete. Very hard igneous and metamorphic rocks
exhibit considerably greater value of modulus of elasticity.

F. Bearing capacity determined by load test. Load bearing tests give reliable results only
when the soil condition is uniform from the bottom of the footing to a depth at least
equal to the width of the largest footing. Since settlement in cohesive and partially
cohesive soils takes place in a long period of time, load bearing tests on such soils are not
very practical. Fortunately, the bearing capacity and the settlement characteristics of
such soils can be readily determined by laboratory tests on the relatively undisturbed
samples.
Let Ll+d = live load + dead load for the column which has the largest live load/dead load
ratio;
 Ls = service load for the same column;
= dead load + ½ live load for ordinary buildings;
qa = allowable bearing pressure as determined by the principles discussed
qd = design pressure for all footings except the one with largest live
load/dead load ratio.
Then A = area of footing supporting the column with the largest live load/dead load
ratio.
𝐴 = 𝐿𝑙 + 𝑑/𝑞𝑎
𝑞𝑑 = 𝐿𝑠 ⁄𝐴

Service load
Area of footing =
𝑞𝑎

Stress on Lower Strata

For stability analysis of footings, the pressure under a footing may be assumed to spread out
on a slope of 2 vertical to 1 horizontal. Thus, a load Q acting concentrically on a footing area
of B x L is assumed to be distributed over an area of (B + Z)(L + Z) at a depth Z below the
footing (see Figure 6-8). If any stratum of soil is inadequate to sustain to sustain this
spread-out pressure, the design bearing pressure should be reduced. However, for a two
layer system of clays, the procedure described in figure 1-11 gives more reliable results.

For settlement analysis, the approximation above may not be sufficient, and a more
accurate approach based on elastic theory may be required. All elastic methods are
developed from the Boussinesq’s equation which deals with a single load acting on the
surface of a half-space (indefinitely large area and a depth).

3𝑄𝑧 3 3𝑄
𝑞= 5
= 𝑐𝑜𝑠 5 𝜓
2𝜋𝑅 2𝜋𝑧 2

Where q = vertical stress at any given point;

Q = surface load;
z = depth of the given point;
 𝑟 = √𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 , 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑔𝑢𝑟𝑒 1 − 9;
𝜓 = angle between line R and vertical.

Based on Boussinesq’ equation, the vertical stresses under continuous, rectangular and
circular footings have been computed. The results are shown in Figure 1-10. In these figures
the magnitude of vertical pressure at various points are given in terms of the bearing
pressure q. for example the vertical pressure at any point along the line 0.2q is equal to 20
per cent of the applied contact pressure. These lines of equal pressure are bulb shaped and
consequently are called pressure bulbs. The most commonly used pressure bulb is the one
for 0.2q because in practical cases any stress less than 0.2q is often of little consequence.
For circular and square footings the pressure bulb is about 1.5B wide and 1.5B deep, B being
the width of the footing.
 The computation of vertical pressure by the Boussinesq’s equation is a laborious
procedure and suitable only for research works. In practice a graphical solution by the
Newmark influence chart, Figure 6-11 is used.

SETTLEMENT OF FOOTINGS

Footings on granural soils will not suffer detrimental settlement if the smaller value of the
two allowable pressures given by equations (1-1) and (1-2) is used. Footings on stiff clay,
hard clay, and other firm soils generally require no settlement analysis if the design
provides a minimum factor of safety of 3. Soft clay, compressible silt, and other weak soils
will settle even under moderate pressure, and therefore settlement analysis is necessary.
The total settlement of a footing on clay may be considered to consist of three parts
(Skempton and Bjerrum, 1957):

𝑆 = 𝑆𝑖 + 𝑆𝑐 + 𝑆𝑠

Where S = total settlement,

Si = immediate elastic settlement,
Sc = settlement due to consolidation of clay,
Ss = settlement due to secondary consolidation of clay.
1. Immediate settlement. Immediately upon application of load on the footing,
elastic compression of the underlying soil takes place causing a settlement of the
footing. This amount can be computed by elastic theory. However, it is usually very
small and can be neglected for all practical purposes.

2. Settlement due to consolidation. The settlement caused by consolidation is due

to the slow extrusion of water from the pores of the fine particles of clay. The amount
of final consolidation settlement Sc can be calculated by the following equation:

𝑆𝑐 = 𝑆0 𝛽

Where β = the coefficient depending on the geometry of the footing and the loading
history of the clay. Values of β are shown in Figure 6-13.

𝑆𝑜 = settlement calculated by Terzaghi theory of consolidation;

𝑆0 = 𝑚𝑣 ∆𝑝𝐻
 𝑪𝒄 𝑷𝟎 + ∆𝒑
𝑺𝟎 = 𝑯𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟏𝟎 (𝟑. 𝟑𝟐)
𝟏 + 𝒆𝒐 𝒑𝒄

Where mv = coefficient of volume compressibility of the clay. This value is

determined by consolidation test.
∆p = vertical stress due to load on footing
H = thickness of the compressible clay. The clay thickness should be divided
into several layers to obtain reasonably accurate settlement of a thick
layer.
Cc = compression index, also determined by consolidation test.
p0 = vertical effective pressure due to soil overburden.

The computation of settlement due to consolidation will illustrate on the next topic of
this course.

3. Settlement due to secondary consolidation. When an undisturbed soil sample

is tested in the consolidometer (or oedometer) the rate of volume decrease checks
very closely with the theory. However, when the sample is one hundred per cent
consolidated (according to the theory of consolidation) the volume decrease does not
stop according to the theory, but instead the sample continues to compress at a
reduced and rather constant rate. The amount of consolidation that can be computed
by the theory is called primary consolidation; whereas the slow consolidation that
takes place afterwards is called consolidation.

ECCENTRIC LOADING

Eccentric loading may result from a load applied off the center of the footing or from a
concentric load plus a bending moment. For the purpose of determining the pressure under
the footing the moment may be removed by shifting the vertical load to a fictitious location
with an eccentricity e = moment/vertical load. In the analysis of an eccentrically loaded
footing two separate problems are confronted:
1. For the purpose of structural design, the pressure against the bottom of the footing,
commonly called contact pressure, is assumed to have a planar distribution. When
the load is applied within the kern of the footing area, commonly flexural formulae
are applicable.

𝑄 𝑀𝑥 𝑀𝑦
𝑞= ± 𝑥+ 𝑦 (1 − 9)
𝐴 𝐼𝑦 𝐼𝑥

Where q = contact pressure at a given point (x, y);

Q = vertical load;
A = area of footing;
x and y = coordinates of the point at which the contact pressure calculated;
Mx, My = load Q multiplied by eccentricity parallel to x and y axes, respectively
 Ix, Iy = moment of inertia of the footing area about the x and y axes, respectively

Equation (1-9) is valid when one of the following conditions exists:

(a) The footing is symmetrical about x and y axes.
(b) The footing is symmetrical about x axis and ey = 0.
(c) The footing is symmetrical about y axis and ex = 0.
For rectangular footing, Eq. (1-9) may be written in a simpler form:

𝑄 𝑒𝑙 𝑒𝑏
𝑞= (1 ± 6 ± 6 ) (1 − 9𝑎)
𝐴 𝐿 𝐵

When ex, ey or eb, el exceed a certain limit, Eq (1-6) or (1-9a) gives a negative value
of q which indicates tension between the soil and the bottom of the footing.

2. For determination of ultimate or allowable bearing capacity of an eccentrically

loaded footing, the concept of useful width has been introduced.

INCLINED LOAD

The conventional method of stability analysis of footings subjected to inclined loads is as

follows: the inclined load Q is resolved into a vertical component Qv and a horizontal
component QH. The stability of the footing against ultimate failure under the vertical load is
treated by the same principles for footings subjected to vertical load only, and the effect of
the horizontal component is ignored. Then, the stability of the footing against the horizontal
force is analyzed by calculating the factor of safety against sliding which is defined as the
ratio between the total horizontal resistance and the horizontal force. The total horizontal
resistance in general consists of a passive resistance of soil, Pp, and a frictional resistance R.

N = total vertical force acting on the base of footing

𝑃𝑝 − 𝑃𝑎 + 𝑅
Factor of safety against sliding =
𝑄𝐻
 Granular soils Cohesive soils
Pp, psf (kPa) Cohesive
Unit weight,
Coefficient Strength c =
Type of Soil Dry or Type of Soil γ pcf
Submerged of Friction, f psf
moist (kN/m3)
(kPa)
Sand and/or
210 350 Very soft 200 110
gravel with less 0.55
(10.05) (16.75) clay (9.6) (17.30)
than 5% silt
Sand and/or
180 250 400 120
gravel with 5% 0.45 Soft clay
(8.62) (12) (19.2) (18.85)
more silt
Silt or soils Medium,
containing 120 150 stiff, and 600 125
0.35
more than 30% (5.75) (7.20) hard clay (28.8) (19.63)
silt

The values above may be used in small jobs. Backfill must be well compacted to insure the
design passive pressure.
Figure 6-17 Conventional method of analysis of footings subjected to inclined loads.
Research in soil mechanics has extended the bearing capacity theory into the case of
inclined loading (Meyerhof, 1953; Janbu, 1957). Janbu’s analysis is a direct extension of
Terzaghi theory with a factor Nh in addition to the Terzaghi bearing capacity factors Nc, Nγ,
and Nq.

𝑄 + 𝑁ℎ 𝑄ℎ 1
= 𝑁𝑐 𝑐 + 𝑁𝑞 𝛾𝐷 + 𝑁𝛾 𝛾𝐵 (1 − 10)
𝐴 2
The notation and values of Nc, Nq, Nγ, and Nh are shown in Fig. 6-18

FOOTINGS ON SLOPES

The bearing capacity if footings on sloping ground may be determined by the following
equation (Meyerhof, 1957):

1
𝑞 = 𝑐𝑁𝑐𝑞 + 𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾𝑞 (1 − 11)
2

The values of the bearing capacity factors Ncq and Nγq for continuous footings are shown in
Figure 1-20. These factors vary with the slope of the ground, the relative position of the
footing and the angle of internal friction of the soil.

Uplift of Footings

The resistance of a footing against uplift is derived from the weight of the footing and the
weight of the soil above it. For soil below ground water level the submerged weight should
be used.
As a footing is being lifted, a prism of soil is carried by the footing, Figure 1-21(2). The shape
of the prism depends upon the characteristics of soil above the footing. Due to lack of
conclusive data, no rational design rules have been developed.

Figure 6.21 Uplift capacity of footing: (probable uplift capacity; (b) minimum theoretical
uplift.
ASSUMPTIONS USED IN FOOTING DESIGN

Theory of Elasticity analysis and observations indicate that the stress distribution beneath
symmetrically loaded footings is not uniform. The actual stress distribution depends on
both footing rigidity and base soil. For footings on loose sand the grains near the edge tend
to displace laterally, whereas the interior soil is relatively confined. The difference results in
a pressure diagram qualitatively shown in Figure 8-2a. Figure 8-2b is the theoretical
pressure distribution for the general case of rigid footing.

The pressure distribution beneath most footings will be rather indeterminate because of the
interaction of the footing rigidity with the soil type, state, and time response to stress. For
this reason it is common to use the linear pressure distribution of Figure 8-2c beneath the
spread footings.

REINFORCED-CONCRETE DESIGN: USD

The method to use in this topic is based on the USD, Ultimate Strength Design method
rather than the ADM or Alternate Design Method, the older procedure in designing
concrete strength but still allowed at this present age. For spread footings, even though the
design is reasonably direct, the ADM procedure is simpler to use but produces a more
conservative design. When compares one compares designs by the two methods the ADM
will consistently compute a concrete footing thickness on the order of 15 to 25 mm larger
and the reinforcing bars areas 30 to 50 percent larger.

All notations pertaining to concrete design will used in this topic wiikl conform to ACI Code.
Strength design requires converting working design dead (D) and live (L) loads to ultimate
loads through the use of load factors as

𝑃𝑢 = 1.2𝐷 + 1.6𝐿

Other combinations that will use will be based on NSCP 2015 Sec. 203.

The ultimate concrete strength f’c in USD is reduced for workmanship and other
uncertainties by use of ϕ factors as follows:

Design consideration ϕ
Moment, without axial load 0.90
Two-way action, bond, and anchorage 0.85
Compression members, spiral 0.75
Compression members, tied 0.70
Unreinforced footings 0.65
Bearings on concrete 0.70

Concrete strain at ultimate stress is taken as 0.003, and the yield strength fy of reinforcing
steel is limited to 550 MPa. The most popular grade of reinforcing steel in current use has fy
= 400 MPa (Grade 400 or 60 ksi)

ELEMENTS OF USD. For the partial development of the USD equations that follow, refer
to Figure 8-3.

From Figure 8-3b the summing of horizontal forces, ΣFH = 0, yields C = T, and, taking the
compressive stress block as a rectangle of dimensions shown,

𝐶 = 0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏𝑎
The tensile force in the steel reinforcement T is

𝑇 = 𝐴𝑠 𝐹𝑦
Equating the latter quantities yields an expression for the depth of the compression block as

𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦
𝑎= (8 − 1)
0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏
For beams, b = width; for footings b = 1 unit (m or ft). from statics and summing moments
at a convenient point (either T or C) we obtain
𝑎 𝑎
𝑇 (𝑑 − ) = 𝑀𝑢 = 𝐶 (𝑑 − )
2 2
And solving for the ultimate resisting moment on a section and inserting the work quality
factor ϕ, we have
𝑎
𝑀𝑢 = 𝜙𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 (𝑑 − ) (8 − 2)
2
Alternatively, if steel ratio terms p and q are defined as follows,

𝐴𝑠 𝑝𝑓𝑦
𝑝= 𝑤=
𝑏𝑑 𝑓𝑐′
Equation (8-2) can be written as
𝑀𝑢 = 𝜙𝑏𝑑2 𝑓𝑐′ 𝑤(1 − 0.59𝑤)
And the steel ratio in balanced design is
0.85𝛽1𝑓𝑐′ 600
𝑝𝑏 =
𝑓𝑦 𝑓𝑦 + 600
The β1 in the preceding equation is defined as follows:

𝛽1 = 0.85 − 0.008(fc′ − 30 MPa) ≥ 0.65

Table 8-1 provides the values β1 for a range of f’c, which may be of use here and for mat
foundation design, where higher-strength concrete may be used on occasion.
Adequate concrete-to-rebar adhesion (termed bond) is provided by specifying the minimum
length of embedment Ld for reinforcing bars in tension depending on diameter or area as
follows:

The development lengths should be multiplied by the following factors as applicable:

The development length for bond for compression bars is the largest of the following:

𝑆𝐼: 0.25 𝑓𝑦 𝑑𝑏 ⁄√𝑓𝑐′ 𝑜𝑟 0.04𝑓𝑦 𝑑𝑏 𝑜𝑟 200 mm

where 𝐴𝑏 = bar area, mm2

𝑑𝑏 = bar diameter, mm
𝑓𝑦 = yield strength of steel, MPa
𝑓𝑐′ = 28 − day compressive strength of concrete, MPa

Shear often governs the design of spread footings. The ACI Code allows shear to be
computed as:
𝑉𝑢
𝑣𝑢 = (8 − 4)
𝑏𝑑

Where Vu is the ultimate shear force (factored working loads) and bd is the resisting shear
area of width b and effective depth d to center of steel. The allowable values of vc are as
follows:
STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF SPREAD FOOTINGS

The allowable soil pressure controls the plan (B x L) dimensions of a spread footing.
Structural (such as a basement) and environmental factors locate the footing vertically in
the soil. Shear stress usually controls the footing thickness D. two-way action shear always
controls the depth for centrally loaded square footings. Wide-beam shear may control the
depth for rectangular footings when the L/B ratio is greater than about 1.2 and may control
for other L/B ratios when there are overturning or eccentric loadings.

The depth of footing for two-way action produces a quadratic equation that is developed
from Figure 8-4b, c using

∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0

Noting the footing block weight cancels, we have – valid for either USD or ADM

𝑃𝑢 = 2𝑑𝑣𝑐 (𝑏 + 𝑑) + 2𝑑𝑣𝑐 (𝑐 + 𝑑) + (𝑐 + 𝑑)(𝑏 + 𝑑)𝑞

Substitution of Pu or Pd =BLq and using either the USD or the ADM shear stress vc gives

𝑑2 (4𝑣𝑐 + 𝑞) + 𝑑(2𝑣𝑐 + 𝑞)(𝑏 + 𝑐) = (𝐵𝐿 − 𝑐𝑏)𝑞 (8 − 5)

For a square column c = b = w we obtain

𝑞 𝑞 𝑞
𝑑 2 (𝑣𝑐 + ) + 𝑑 (𝑣𝑐 + ) 𝑤 = (𝐵𝐿 − 𝑤 2 ) (8 − 6)
4 2 4
For a round column, a = diameter, the expression is
𝑞 𝑞 𝑞
𝑑2 (𝑣𝑐 + ) + 𝑑 (𝑣𝑐 + ) 𝑎 = (𝐵𝐿 − 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑙 ) (8 − 7)
4 2 𝜋
If we neglect the upward soil pressure on the diagonal tension block, an approximate
effective concrete depth d can be obtained for rectangular and round column as

𝐵𝐿𝑞 𝑃𝑣
𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟: 4𝑑 2 + 2(𝑏 + 𝑐)𝑑 = = (8 − 8)
𝑣𝑐 𝑣𝑐

𝑃𝑢
𝑅𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑: 𝑑2 + 𝑎𝑑 = (8 − 9)
𝜋𝑣𝑐
Steps in square or rectangular spread footing design with a centrally loaded column and no
moments are as follows:

1. Compute the footing plan dimensions B x L using the allowable soil pressure:

Critical load combination 𝑃

Square: 𝐵=√ =√
𝑞𝑎 𝑞𝑎
𝑃
𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟: 𝐵𝐿 =
𝑞𝑎

2. Convert the allowable soil pressure qa to an ultimate value qult = q for use in
Equations (8-5) through (8-9) for footing depth

𝑃𝑢 𝑃ult
=𝑞= 𝑞
𝐵𝐿 𝑃design 𝑎

3. Obtain the allowable two-way action stress vc from Table 8-2 (or compute it) and,
using appropriate Equations (8-5) through (8-9), compute the effective footing depth
d.
 4. If the footing is rectangular, immediately check wide-beam shear. Use the larger d
from two-way action (step 3) or wide-beam.
5. Compute the required steel for bending, and use the same amount each way for
square footings. Use the effective d to the intersection of the two layers for square
footings and if d > 300 mm or 12 in.
𝑞𝐿2
𝑀𝑢 =
2

6. Compute column bearing and use dowels for bearing if the allowable bearing stress is
exceeded.
7. Detail the design.
Table 8-2

Allowable limiting two-way action and wide-beam shear vc by ACI 318 Code for
several concrete strengths f’c for β ≤ 2.0 and the ϕ factor of 0.85 (ACI Art.
9.3.2.3)

f’c, MPa (psi)

ϕ = 0.85 21 24 28 35
(3000) (3500) (4000) (5000)
Two-way action
√𝑓𝑐′ (MPa) 1.298 1.388 1.499 1.676
𝜙
3
4𝜙√𝑓𝑐′ (psi) 186.2 201.1 215.0 240.4
(ksf) 26.8 29.0 31.0 34.6
Wide-beam shear*
√𝑓𝑐′ (MPa) 0.649 0.694 0.750 1.676
𝜙
6
2𝜙√𝑓𝑐′ (psi) 93.11 100.57 107.52 120.21
(ksf) 13.41 14.48 15.48 17.31
*For two-way action the ACI Code allowable shear stress (MPa) is the smallest of the above and the
following two equations:

2 √𝑓𝑐′
(1 + )𝜙 [𝐴𝐶𝐼 (11 − 36)]
𝛽𝑐 6
𝛼𝑠 𝑑 √𝑓𝑐′
( + 2) 𝜙 [𝐴𝐶𝐼 (11 − 37)]
𝑏0 12

where 𝛽𝑐 = ratio of long column side over short column side (and must be 𝛽𝑐
> 2 to become the smallest allowable 𝑣𝑐
𝛼𝑠 = 40 for interior, 30 for edge, and 20 for corner columns
𝑏0 = two − way action perimeter defined using column dimensions
𝑑
+ distance as appropriate from column face(s)
2
𝑑 = effective depth of member
Design Example

Example 1.

Design a plain (unreinforced concrete spread footing for the following data:
DL = 90 kN LL = 100 kN
Column: W 200 x 31.3 resting on a 220 x 180 x 18 mm base plate
f’c = 21 MPa Allowable soil pressure qa = 200 kPa

Solution: Note the following:

1. Plain concrete footing must be designed using ACI 318.1M

2. Unreinforced footings are only practical and economical for small column loads as in
this example.
3. We could step or taper the footing to reduce the volume of concrete slightly but at
current labor cost for the additional formwork and shaping; it is usually more
economical to use a constant depth footing.
4. Wall footings are very commonly made of plain concrete.
With these comments we will now proceed with the footing design.

Step 1. Size of footing:

𝑃
𝑞𝑎 =
𝐴
𝑃 = 𝐷𝐿 + 𝐿𝐿 = 90 + 100 = 190 kN

Since the footing is spread or for clear understanding, a square footing, the A = B x L. where
L = B. So,

𝑃 𝑃 𝑃
𝑞𝑎 = = 2 𝐵=√
𝐴 𝐵 𝑞𝑎

190 (1000)
𝐵=√ = 0.97 𝑚 Use 𝐵 = 1.0 𝑥 1.0 𝑚
200,000
Step 2. Find the footing depth. For plain footings the moment requirement is usually
critical, so we will find the depth to satisfy moment and then check shear.

𝑃𝑢𝑙𝑡 = 1.2𝐷𝐿 + 1.6𝐿𝐿

𝑃𝑢𝑙𝑡 = 1.2(90) + 1.6(100) = 268 𝑘𝑁

𝑃𝑢𝑙𝑡 268
𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = = = 268 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝐴𝑓𝑡𝑛𝑔 1𝑥1

For flexure, maximum tensile stress:

𝑓𝑡 = 0.4𝜙√𝑓𝑐′

For all cases the ϕ factor =0.65 (see reduction factor table), thus,
𝑓𝑡 = 0.4(0.65)√21 = 1.19 MPa
The critical section is defined at ½ distance from edge of base plate to column face

𝐵 0.18 0.18
𝐿𝑚 = − + = 0.455 𝑚
2 2 4
𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 𝐿2𝑚 268(0.455)2
𝑀𝑢 = =
2 2
= 27.74 kN. m⁄m

Equating allowable stress ft x section modulus S = Mu and for a rectangle

𝑏𝑑 2
𝑆=
6
𝑓𝑓 𝑑 2
Here we will use b = unit width = 1 m giving 𝑓𝑡 𝑆 = = 𝑀𝑢 = 27.74
6
𝑓𝑡 𝑑 2
= 27.74
6

27.74(6)
𝑑=√ = 0.374 m
1.19(1000)

To this thickness d we must add 50 mm according to NSCP 2015 407.8.1

𝐷𝑐 = 𝑑 + 0.075 = 0.375 + 0.075 = 0.449 𝑚 Use 450 𝑚𝑚

Step 3. Check two-way action using d = 450 – 75 = 375 mm effective depth

 2 𝜙√𝑓𝑐′ √𝑓𝑐′
𝑣𝑐 = (1 + ) ≤
𝛽 6 3

Col. length 210

𝛽= = = 2.33 (using "effective" width)
Col. width 90

2 𝜙√𝑓𝑐′ 2 (0.65)√21 0.65√21

𝑣𝑐 = (1 + ) = (1 + ) = 0.92 𝑀𝑃𝑎 <
𝛽 6 2.33 6 3

The average shear perimeter p at d/2 from the column with average column dimension of
depth = (220 + 210)/2 = 215 mm and width = 180/2 = 90 mm (see Figure E8-1c) is

𝑝 = 2(0.215 + 0.400 + 0.090 + 0.400) = 2.21 m

The resistance (neglecting the upward soil pressure on this area) is

𝑅 = 𝑝𝑑𝑣𝑐 = 2.21(0.40)(0.92 𝑥 1000) = 813 kN ≫ 296 (= 𝑃𝑢𝑙𝑡 )

Step 4. We should check wide-beam shear at distance d from the critical column face.

Critical 𝐿′ = 𝐿𝑚 − 𝑑 (by inspection of Figure E8 − 1c)

𝐿′ = 0.455 − 0.400 = 0.055 m (negligible)

For a shear force 𝑉 = 0.055𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 , wide − beam shear is not critical.

Step 5. Draw a final design sketch as in Figure E8-1c. A question may arise of whether this
plain concrete base should contain temperature and shrinkage (T and S) steel. Strictly, the
ACI Code is not point.

T and S reinforcement both ways = 0.002(4 x 1)106 = 800 mm2 each way

From the table inside cover front try four No. 15 (16 mm diam.) bars each giving

𝐴𝑠 = 4 𝑥 200 = 800 mm2

Four equally spaced bars satisfy maximum spacing requirements.
Example 2

Design a spread footing for the average soil conditions and footing load given in Figure E8-
2a. note the geotechnical consultant provided qa in Example 1; however, in this case the
designer preferred to select the allowable soil pressure from a soil profile provided by the
geotechnical engineer.
𝐷𝐿 = 350 kN 𝐿𝐿 = 450 kN 𝑓𝑐′ = 21 MPa

Use grade 400 rebars (fy = 400 MPa)

The column has dimensions of 0.35 x 0.35 m and uses four No. 30 bars (diam. = 30 mm).
Solution:

Step 1. From the soil find qa. To start, we readily obtain qa = qu from the average qu (SF =
3 as in Example 4-4). Estimate γclay ≈ 18.00 kN/m3. So, we can include the qNq
term (and Nq = 1.0).

𝑞𝑎 = 200 kPa + 1.2(18.00)(1) ≈ 220 kPa (Use 200 kPa)

Step 2. Find tentative base dimensions B using a square footing, or

𝑃 = 350 + 450 = 800 𝑘𝑁 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵 2 𝑞𝑎 = 𝑃

800
𝐵=√ = 2.00 m
200

Step 3. Check the immediate settlement. Consolidation settlement is not a problem since
the water table is at the top of the sand at -12 m. Take
𝑞𝑢
𝐸𝑠 = 1000𝑠𝑢 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑦 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑓; 𝑠𝑢 = = 100 𝑘𝑃𝑎ϕϕ𝐸𝑠 = 1000(100) = 100000 kPa
2

For the sand, we must convert N70 to N55 in order to use Table 5-5. Use a conservative value
of Es = 500(N55 + 15):
 70
Above GWT: 𝐸𝑠 = 500 [25 ( ) + 15] = 23409 kPa
55
70
Below GWT: 𝐸𝑠 = 500 [30 ( ) + 15] = 26590 kPa
55
The depth of influence is taken as 5B = 10 m, which is 2 m above the 12-m depth of the
boring. Also estimate Poisson’s ratio μ = 0.35 (for the clay).

Use a weighted average Es for the influence depth below the footing base of 8.8 m, based on
stratum thickness:

[(6 − 1.2)100000 + (9 − 6)23409 + (10 − 9)26590] 576817

𝐸𝑠 = =
8.8 8.8
𝐸𝑠 = 65500 𝑘𝑃𝑎 (rounding down slightly)

For 10/B’ = 10/(2/2) = 10, we obtain (Using Table 5-2)

[1 − 2(0.35)]
𝐼𝑠 = 0.498 + 0.016 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟎𝟓
1 − 0.35
For D/B = 1.2/2 = 0.6 estimate the Fox embedment factor as

𝐼𝐹 = 𝟎. 𝟕𝟓 (using Figure 5 − 7)

Using Equation (5-16a), we see that

1 − 𝜇2
∆𝐻 = 𝑞0 𝐵 ′ 𝑚𝐼𝑠 𝐼𝑓 (𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑚 = 4)
𝐸𝑠
 800 2 1 − 0.352
∆𝐻 = ( 2 ) ( ) 4(0.505)(0.75)
2 2 65000
∆𝐻 = 0.00406 𝑚 → 4.06 𝑚 (clearly ∆𝐻 is not a problem)

We can now proceed with the footing design using

800
𝐵 𝑥 𝐵 = 2 𝑥 2 𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑞𝑜 = = 200 𝑘𝑃𝑎 < 𝑞𝑎
4
Step 4. First find the pseudo qult:

1.2(350) + 1.6(450) 1140

𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = = = 285 𝑘𝑃𝑎
22 4
𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 285
𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 = = = 1.425
𝑞𝑎 200

Step 5. Find the depth for two-way action shear Equation (8-6)
𝑞 𝑞 𝑞
𝑑 2 (𝑣𝑐 + ) + 𝑑 (𝑣𝑐 + ) 𝑤 = (𝐵 2 − 𝑤 2 )
4 2 4

𝜙√𝑓𝑐′ 0.85√21
Allowable concrete shear stress 𝑣𝑐 = = = 1.30 MPa.
3 3
Substituting values 𝑞 = 285 kPa; 𝑣𝑐 = 1300 kPa, and 𝑤 = 0.35 m into Eq. (8 − 6), we obtain

285 285 285

𝑑 2 (1300 + ) + 𝑑 (1300 + ) 0.35 = (22 − 0.352 )
4 2 4

1371.25𝑑 2 + 504.875𝑑 = 276.27

𝑑 2 + 0.386𝑑 − 0.2015 = 0

0.386 ± √0.3862 − 4(1)(−0.2015) −0.386 + 0.977

𝑑= = = 0.296 m 𝑠𝑎𝑦 0.30 m
2(1) 2

The approximate effective depth by Equation (8-8) is

𝐵𝐿𝑞
4𝑑2 + 2(𝑤 + 𝑤)𝑑 =
𝑣𝑐

Substituting values, we obtain

(2)(2)(285)
4𝑑2 + 4(0.35 + 0.35)𝑑 =
1300
𝑑 2 + 0.35𝑑 − 0.219 = 0

𝑑 = 0.325 m (325 mm vs. 300 mm by "exact" method)

Step 6. Find the required steel for bending.
Refer to Figure 8-2b for the moment arm

(𝐵 − 𝑤) (2.00 − 0.35)
𝐿𝑚 = = = 0.825 m
2 2
𝑞𝐿2𝑚 285(0.825)2
𝑀𝑢 = = = 97 kN. m
2 2
𝑎
𝑀𝑢 = 𝜙𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 (𝑑 − ) Eq. (8 − 2)
2
𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 𝐴𝑠 (400)
𝑎= ′
= = 22.4𝐴𝑠
0.85𝑓𝑐 𝑏 0.85(21)(1)

Rearranging Eq. (8-2) and substituting, we have

22.4 97
𝐴𝑠 (0.30 − 𝐴𝑠 ) =
2 0.9 𝑥 400000
Solving, we obtain

−11.2𝐴2𝑠 + 0.3𝐴𝑠 = 0.000269

𝐴2𝑠 − 0.0268𝐴𝑠 + 0.000024 = 0

0.0268 ± √0.02682 − 4(1)(0.000024) 0.0268 − 0.0249

𝐴𝑠 = =
2(1) 2
2⁄ 2⁄
𝐴𝑠 = 0.00095 m m = 950 mm m [always use largets (+)value]

Use five5 No. 15 bars/m to provide 5 x 200 = 1000 mm2/m of steel at a spacing of 1000/4 =
250 mm
We could use the lesser number of bars:

Four No. 20 giving 4(300) = 1200 mm2/m

Four No. 25 giving 2(500) = 1000 mm2/m

This latter value sets the spacing at 1000 mm which is greater than 500 mm allowed by ACI.

𝐴𝑠,total = 2 m 𝑥 1000 mm2 ⁄m = 2000 mm2 (and each way)

Use 10 No. 15 bars at spacing s: 9s + 2(70) + 16 = 2000; s = 205 mm with 10 x 200 = 2000
mm2 steel area. Now check steel ratio:

1000
𝜌= = 0.0033 > 0.002 OK
(300)(1000)

<0.016 Table 8-1 also OK

Step 7. Check if the furnished L = 0.825 – 0.075 m (clear cover requirement of NSCP
2010 407.8.1) = 0.75 m ≤ Ld

0.02𝐴𝑏 𝑓𝑦 0.02(200)(400)
𝐿𝑑𝑏 = =
√𝑓𝑐′ √21

𝐿𝑑𝑏 = 349 mm > 300 (minimum lenght in any case)

< 750 mm furnished

Step 8. Check column bearing on the footing per ACI Arts. 10.15 and 15.8. In general
allowable bearing pressure is

𝑓𝑐 = 𝜙(0.85)𝑓𝑣′ 𝜓

𝐴2
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝜓 = √ ≤2
𝐴1

𝐴1 = column contact area

𝐴2 = area of column spread through depth 𝑑 using the distribution shown in

Figure 8 − 4c.
Inserting values, we compute the allowable bearing stress fc as

𝑓𝑐 = 0.70(0.85)(21)(2) = 25 MPa

Check the column capacity based on a gross concrete section.

𝑃comp = 0.352 (25 𝑥 1000) = 3062 kN

𝑃𝑢 = 1.2(350) + 1.6(450) = 1140 kN ≪ 3062 kN ok.

Step 9. Design dowels. ACI 318 requires a minimum area of dowels of 0.005Acol (Art.
158.2.1) unless a larger amount is needed to transfer compressive forces or moments.

𝐴𝑠,dowels = 0.005(0.352 ) = 0.0006125 m2 = 612.5 mm2

𝐴𝑠,furn = 4(700) = 2800 mm2 ≫ 612.5 required

Step 10. Make a design sketch as in Figure E8-2c.

It will be necessary to provide at least a 75 mm clear cover from the bottom of the lower
reinforcing bar (No. 15 of diam. = 16 mm) to the bottom of the footing. This gives a total
depth of

𝐷𝑐 = 300 mm + 16 mm + 75 mm = 391 mm → 400 mm

Example 8-3

Given: Footing and foundation data of Example 8-2.

Required: compute the required reinforcement and compare this to example 8-2.

Solution.

All data are exactly the same except d. The approximate value of d computed in Example 8-
2 (see step 5) is d = 325 mm; similarly, a = 22.4As2, and constant = 0.000269

Step 1. Substitute values and obtain

−11.2𝐴2𝑠 + 0.325𝐴𝑠 = 0.000269

Dividing through by 11.2 and solving the resulting quadratic equation, we have [again use
the largest (+) value]

0.029 ± √0.0292 − 4(1)(0.000024)

𝐴𝑠 =
2(1)
0.029 − 0.027
𝐴𝑠 = = 0.001 m2 ⁄m = 1000 mm2 ⁄m
2
For B = 2 m the required total is

𝐴𝑠 = 2(1000) = 1000 mm2

Use seven No. 20 bars giving 7(300) = 2100 mm2 each way:

Spacing ≈ 2000/6 = 333 mm < 3(35) < 500 mm

Total depth Dc = 325 + 20 + 75 = 420 mm

Step 2. Steel mass = 490 lb/ft3 = 490(3.283)(0.453) = 7840 kg/m3

From Example 8-2,

𝐿𝑠 = 2000 − 2(75) = 1850 mm (clear cover 75 mm)

𝐴𝑠 = 2000 mm2 each way
Volume of steel 𝑉𝑠 = 2(2000)(1850) = 7 400 000 mm2 = 0.0074 m3
Mass of steel 𝑀1 = 7840(0.0074) = 58.02 kg/footing
𝐷𝑐 of Example 8.2 = 400 mm
Vol. of concrete 𝑉c = 2 𝑥 2 𝑥 0.40 = 1.60 𝑚3

For Example 8-3,

𝐿𝑠 = 1850 𝑚𝑚
𝐴𝑠 = 2000 𝑚𝑚2 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑤𝑎𝑦
Volume of steel 𝑉𝑠 = 2(2100)(1850) = 7 770 000 mm2 = 0.00777 m3
Mass of steel 𝑀1 = 7840(0.00777) = 60.92 kg/footing
Vol. of concrete 𝑉c = 2 𝑥 2 𝑥 0.42 = 1.68 m3

Summarizing,

Item Exact Approx Difference

𝑉concrete , m3 1.60 1.68 0.08

𝐷𝑐 mm 400 420 20
Mass of steel, kg 58.02 60.92 2.9

BEARING PLATES AND ANCHOR BOLTS

Metal column members, including various tower-type elements, require a base plate to
spread the very high metal stresses in the small column/tower contact area at the footing to
a value that the footing or pedestal concrete can safely carry. The bearing plate is to cut to
size in the steel fabricating shop from rolled plate stock and either shop-welded or field-
bolted to the column member. Holes 2 to 5 mm larger in diameter than the anchor
rods/bolts are shop-punched in the base plate for later attachment to the footing.

Base Plate Design

Base plate can be designed using the AISC specification for axial-loaded column as follows:

When the base plate covers less than the supporting concrete surface (typical for spread
footings carrying steel columns fitted with a base plate), the allowable bearing stress Fp is

𝐹𝑝 = 0.35𝑓𝑐′
When the base plate covers less than the supporting concrete surface (typical for spread
footings carrying steel columns fitted with a base plate), the allowable bearing stress Fp is

𝐴2
𝐹𝑝 ≤ 0.35𝑓𝑐′ √ ≤ 0.7𝑓𝑐′
𝐴1
Where

𝐹𝑝 = allowable concrete stress; must be fgreater than the actual bearing stress as
𝑓𝑝 = 𝑃⁄𝐴1 , where P = sum of column loads acting on footing
𝐴1 = area of base plate in consistent units
𝐴2 = area of supporting member; is area of pedestal when the base plate is on the pedestal;
is area of footingfor other cases

A limitation is that 𝜓 = √𝐴2 ⁄𝐴1 ≤ 2.

If we substitute for Fp in Eq. (b), note the limitation on √A1/A2 and square both sides, we
obtain
2
𝑃 𝐴2
( ′
) ≤ 𝐴12 ( ) ≤ 4𝐴12 (𝑐)
0.35𝑓𝑐 𝐴1

Form the left two terms Eq. ( c) we obtain the base plate area as
2
1 𝑃
𝐴1 = ( ) (8 − 10)
𝐴2 0.35𝑓𝑐′

The minimum pedestal dimensions A2 are obtained from the right two terms of Eq. ( c) to
give
𝐴2 = 4𝐴1

Which can be written by making substitution in Eq. (8-10) for A1 as:

𝑃
𝐴2 = (8 − 10𝑎)
0.175𝑓𝑐′

In this equation the area A2 = both minimum and optimum size of pedestal.
We may summarize the steps in designing a base plate by the AISC (1989) specifications as
follows:

1. Find plate area A1 as the larger of

2
1 𝑃 𝑃
𝐴1 = ( ) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴1 =
𝐴2 0.35𝑓𝑐′ 0.7𝑓𝑐′

You may first have to find area A2 using Eq. (8-10a) if a pedestal is being used.

2. Find the base plate dimension (refer to Figure 8-6 for identification of dimensions)
 𝐶 − 0.95𝑑 𝐵 − 0.80𝑏𝑓
𝑚= 𝑛=
2 2

3. Compute a dimension n’ as follows:

𝑎. Define 𝐿 = 𝑑 + 𝑏𝑓
4𝑃𝑎
𝑏. Define 𝑋 = 2 with Bowle′ s approximations of 𝑃 = 𝑃𝑜 ;
𝐿 𝐹𝑏
𝐹𝑏 = 𝐹𝑝 (plate is heavily loaded if X ≥ 0.64)

2√𝑥
𝑐. Define 𝜆 = min [1.0, ]
1 + √1 − 𝑥
𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝜆 ≤ 1. If you have a negative square root, 𝜆 𝑖𝑠 1.

𝑑. Compute 𝑛′ = 0.25√𝑑𝑏𝑓 .
𝑒. Extract the maximum 𝑣 = 𝑚𝑎𝑥[𝑚, 𝑛(𝜆𝑛′)]
𝑃
𝑓. Compute actual bearing stress 𝑓𝑝 =
𝐵𝑥𝐶

4. Compute the base plate thickness tp as

𝑓𝑝
𝑡𝑝 = 2𝑣√ (units of 𝑣) (8 − 11)
𝐹𝑦
When there is a column moment in addition to the axial load, you must use the form
of computation as
 𝑃 𝑀𝑐
𝑓𝑝 ≤ +
𝐵𝑥𝐶 𝐼

Example 8-4

Design a reinforced concrete footing with a steel W250 x 67 column (See Figure E8-4) using
the design data of Example 8-2.

General data: D = 350 kN L = 450 kN qa ≈ 220 kPa (used 200)

f’c = 21 MPa Fy = 250 MPa (for column)
Rebar Fy = Grade 400 (400 MPa or 60 ksi)
From rolled section tables [AISC (1992)] obtain for a W250 x 67:
d = 257 mm (depth) bf = 204 mm (width)
tw = 8.9 mm (web) tf = 15.7 mm (flange thickness)

Solution:
Step 1. Find footing area. Since loads and soil pressure are the same as in Example 8-2 we
have B = 2 m

Step 2. Since dimension are the same, use depth d = 350 mm and the overall design of steel
and Dc = 440 mm of Example 8-3.

Step 3. Thus, we need only to size the base plate.

a. Since the base plate is clearly smaller than the footing, it is evident that the ratio ѱ =
A1/A2 = 2 and we have A1 computed as
 𝑃 800
𝐴1 = ′
= = 0.0544 𝑚2
0.7𝑓𝑐 0.7 𝑥 21 𝑥 1000

The base plate must fit the column footprint with about 12 mm overhang on all sides
in case it is fillet-welded to the column. Thus, tentatively try the following:

B = 204 + 25 = 229 mm ≈ 230 mm (rounded) and

C = 257 + 25 = 282 mm ≈ 285 mm (rounded to 5 mm)

These values yield

𝐴1 = 0.23(0.285) = 0.0655 𝑚2 > 0.0544 𝑜𝑘

Use B = 230 mm x C = 285 mm

b. Find the dimension m and n:

𝐶 − 0.95𝑑 285 − 0.95(257)

𝑚= = = 20.4 𝑚𝑚
2 2

𝐵 − 0.80𝑏𝑓 230 − 0.80(204)

𝑛= = = 33.4 𝑚𝑚
2 2

To obtain λn’ we must do some side computations:

𝐹𝑝 = 0.35𝑓𝑐′ 𝜓 = 0.35(21)(2) = 14.7 MPa = (= 0.7𝑓𝑐′ )

𝐿 = (𝑑 + 𝑏𝑓 ) = 257 + 204 = 461 𝑚𝑚 = 0.461 𝑚
4𝑃 4(800)
𝑋= 2 = 2
= 1.024 𝑚
𝐿 𝐹𝑝 0.461 𝑥 14.7 𝑥 1000
2√𝑋
𝜆 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛 (1.0, )
1 + √1 − 𝑋
Since X = 1.024 > 1 we have a negative root so use
λ=1.0
𝑛′ = 0.25√257 𝑥 204 = 57.24 𝑚𝑚 → 𝜆𝑛′ = 1(57.24) = 57.24 𝑚𝑚
𝑣 = max(20.4, 33.4, 57.24) = 57.24 𝑚𝑚

𝑓𝑝 12.7
𝑡𝑝 = 2𝑣√ = 2(57.24)√ = 25.8 𝑚𝑚
𝐹𝑦 250

Prior to the 8th ed. of the AISC Manual,

𝑓𝑝
𝑡𝑝 = 2(33.4)√ = 15.1 mm.
𝐹𝑦
 Use 𝑡𝑝 = 22 mm (≈ 1.5 𝑥 15.1, or next larger available plate thickness)

c. Complete the design by selecting anchor bolts. Since there is no moment we can
probably use two anchor bolts of minimum dimension.

PEDESTALS

A pedestal is used to carry the loads from metal column through the floor and soil to the
footing when the footing is at some depth in the ground. The purpose is to avoid possible
corrosion of the metal from the soil. Careful backfill over the footing and the pedestal will be
necessary to avoid subsidence and floor cracks. If the pedestal is very long, a carefully
compacted backfill will provide sufficient lateral support to control buckling. The ACI limits
the ratio of unsupported length Lu to least lateral dimension h as

𝐿𝑢
≤3
ℎ
for pedestals.
Pedestals can usually be designed as short columns because of the lateral support of the
surrounding soil. They may be designed for both axial load and moment, but this feature is
beyond the scope of this text. For the rather common condition of the pedestal being
designed as a simply supported column element interfacing the superstructure to the
footing, the following formula may be used:

𝑃𝑢 = 𝛽𝜙(0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝐴𝑐 + 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑦 )

where 𝑃𝑢 = factored ultimate column design load, kN or kips

𝐴𝑐 = net area of concrete in pedestal (𝐴𝑔 − As )for unreinforced pedestals As = 0.0 and
Ac = total concrete area
𝐴𝑠 = area of reinforcing steel if designed as a reinforced column
𝑓𝑦 = yield strength of rebar steel
𝜙 = 0.70 for tied and 0.75 for spiral reinforcement; 0.65 for nonreinforced pedestals

Example 8-5
Design a pedestal and bearing plate for the following conditions:
D = 800 kN L = 625 kN P = 1425 kN
W 310 x 107 column d = 311 mm bf = 306 mm
Fy = 250 MPa (A36 steel) for both column and bearing plate
Concrete: fc’ = 24 MPa; fy = 400 MPa (Grade = 400)
Soil: qa = 200 kPa

Solution:
Step 1. We will set dimensions of the pedestal for the base plate but increase (shoulder it
out) 50 mm to allow bearing for the floor slab as illustrated in Figure E8-5a. First, find areas
A1 and A2:
𝑃 1425
𝐴2 = ′
= = 0.3393 m2 (1000 converts 𝑓𝑐′ to kPa)
0.175𝑓𝑐 0.175(24)(1000)
Next
2 2
1 𝑃 1 1425
𝐴1 = 2 ( ) = [ ] = 0.0848 m2
A 0.35𝑓𝑐′ 0.3393 0.35(24 𝑥 1000)

𝑃 1425
𝐴1 = ′
= = 0.0848 m2
0.7𝑓𝑐 0.7(24000)

Use a plate area A1 ≥ 0.0848 m2

Use a pedestal with A2 ≥ 0.3393 m2. For the pedestal try

𝐵 2 = 0.3393 → 𝐵 = √0.3393 = 0.582 m

Let us use B = 0.600 m;

 𝐴2 = 0.60 𝑥 0.60 = 0.36 𝑚2 > 0.3393 𝑚2 𝑜. 𝑘.

Looking at the column dimensions, let us try a plate of

C = d + 25 = 311 + 25 = 336 → 335 mm

B = bf + 25 = 306 + 25 = 331 → 330 mm

Check the furnished area, that is,

𝐴1 = 0.335 𝑥 0.330 = 0.1106 m2 > 0.0848 m2 𝑜. 𝑘.

The allowable concrete bearing stress (base plate A1 < A2) is
𝐴2 0.36
𝐹𝑝 = 0.35𝑓𝑐′ √ = 0.35(24)√ = 15.13 MPa < 0.7𝑓𝑐′
𝐴1 0.111
Let us check:
𝐴1 𝐹𝑝 = 0.111(15.13)(1000) = 1679 > 1425 kN 𝑜𝑘
Step 2. Find the plate thickness tp:

335 − 0.95𝑑 335 − 0.95(311)

𝑚= = = 19.8 mm
2 2
330 − 0.80𝑏𝑓 330 − 0.80(306)
𝑛= = = 42.6 mm
2 2
𝐿 = 𝑑 + 𝑏𝑓 = 311 + 306 = 617 mm = 0.617 m
4𝑃 4(1425)
𝑋= 2 = 2
= 0.9896 → 0.99
𝐿 𝐹𝑝 0.617 (15.13)(1000)
2√𝑋 2√0.99
𝜆 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛 (1.0, ) = min (1.0, ) = min(1.0, 1.81)
1 + √1 − 𝑋 1 + √1 − 0.99
λ= 1.0
𝜆𝑛′ = 1.0(0.25)√𝑑𝑏 𝑏𝑓 = 1.0(0.25)√311 𝑥 306 = 77.1 𝑚𝑚

𝑣 = max(𝑚, 𝑛, 𝜆𝑛′ ) = max(19.8, 42.6, 77.1) = 77.1

1425 1425
𝑓𝑝 = = = 12 884 kPa = 𝟏𝟐. 𝟖𝟖 𝐌𝐏𝐚
𝐴1 0.1106
The plate thickness is

𝑓𝑝 12.88
𝑡𝑝 = 2𝑣√ = 2(77.1)√ = 𝟑𝟓. 𝟎 𝐦𝐦
𝐹𝑦 250

Use a base plate of 335 x 330 x 35 mm

Step 3. Design pedestal reinforcement

Top area = 600 𝑥 600 mm = 360 000 mm2

Use minimum of 0.01 Acol → As = 0.01(360 000) = 3600 mm2
Choose eight No. 25 bars, providing 8(500) = 4000 mm2, which is greater than 3600 mm2
and therefore is acceptable. Place bars in pattern shown in Figure E8-5b.

Step 4. Design anchor rods/bolts. Theoretically no anchorage is required, however, we

will arbitrarily use enough to carry 0.1 x P in shear:

𝑃𝑣 = 0.1(1425) = 142.5 kN
Use standard size bolt holes, and from Table 1D of AISC (1989), obtain
𝐹𝑣 = 70 MPa (10 ksi)for A307 grade steel.

Using 25-mm diameter bolts, we have,

𝑃bolt = 0.7854(0.0252 )(70)(1000) = 34 kN⁄bolt

142.5
No. of bolts required = = 4.15 bolts → use 4 bolts
34
Use anchor bolt steel of A-307 grade (or better)

RECTANGULAR FOOTING

Rectangular footings are necessary where square footing footings cannot be used because of
space limitations. They may be used where an overturning moment is present to produce a
more economical footing. The design is quite similar to that for a square footing. The depth
will be controlled by shear, except that wide-beam action will probably control if the L/B
ratio is much greater than 1 or where an overturning moment is present.

One other special consideration for rectangular footing is in the placement of the
reinforcement. The reinforcement in the long direction is computed in the same manner as
for a square footing, using d to the center of gravity (c.g.) of that steel. Steel in the short
direction is computed similarly using the d to the c.g. of the steel, which is usually placed on
top of the longitudinal steel for some savings in the mass and placing. Additionally, since
the footing zone in the column area is more effective in resisting bending, a specified
percentage of the total short-side steel is placed in this zone as shown in figure 8-12.

Example 8-8
Design a rectangular reinforced concrete footing for the following design data:
Loads: D = 1110 kN L = 1022 kN

Pu = 2967.2 kN computed using load combination 1.2D + 1.6L as per

NSCP 2015

Column: f’c = 35 MPa Square w/side = 450 mm

Column steel: eight No. 25 bars fy = 400 MPa

Footing: f’c = 21 MPa qa = 240 kPa fy = 400 MPa

B = 2.20 m (given)
Solution:

Step 1. Find footing dimension L. Note that if B is not given, then a number of
combinations are possible:

𝐵𝐿𝑞𝑎 = 𝑃 = 1110 + 1022

2132
𝐿= = 4.04 𝑚 𝑈𝑠𝑒 𝐿 = 4.10 𝑚
2.20 𝑥 240
The “ultimate” soil pressure is

𝑃𝑢 2967.2
𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = = = 328.96 kPa Use 329 kPa
𝐵𝐿 2.20 𝑥 4.10
As a check

2132
𝑞= = 236 < 240 𝑜𝑘
(2.20)(4.10)

Step 2. Find the footing depth for shear. Check wide-beam value first. For a strip 1 m wide
as shown in Figure E8-8a and distance d form the column we have

∑ 𝐹𝑣 = 0 𝑜𝑛 𝑎 1 − m − wide section on right end of footing of length 𝐿0 gives

4.10 − 0.45
𝑑(1.0)𝑣𝑐 − ( − 𝑑) 𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = 0
2
Inserting the values of

𝑣𝑐 = 0.65 MPa from Table 8 − 2 and 𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 from the foregoing (in MPa), we obtain

0.65𝑑 + 0.365𝑑 = 0.666

0.666
𝑑= = 0.66 𝑚
1.015
For this value of d let us check the two-way action (approximately by neglecting upward soil
pressure on the two-way action block) to obtain
Perimeter of two-way action block = (0.45 + 0.66)(4) = 4.4 m

𝑃𝑠 = perimeter 𝑥 𝑑 𝑥 𝑣𝑐 = 4.4(0.66)(1.30 x 1000) = 3775 kN > 2967.2 𝑘𝑁

Step 3. Find steel required in long direction (longitudinal steel):

𝟒. 𝟏𝟎 − 𝟎. 𝟒𝟓
𝑳′ = = 𝟏. 𝟖𝟐𝟓 (see Figure E8 − 8𝑏)
𝟐
And
𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 𝐿′2 329(1.825)2
𝑀𝑢 = = = 547.89 kN. m use 𝟓𝟒𝟖 𝐤𝐍. 𝐦
2 2
 𝑓𝑦 𝐴𝑠 400𝐴𝑠
𝑎= = = 22.41𝐴𝑠
0.85𝑓𝑐′ 𝐿′ 0.85(21)(1)

Using Equation (8-2), we have

22.41𝐴𝑠 548
𝐴𝑠 = (0.66 − )=
2 0.9(400)(1000)
2
𝐴𝑠 − 0.0589𝐴𝑠 = −0.000136
𝐴𝑆 = 0.00245 𝑚2 ⁄𝑚

Checking the percentage of steel, we find

0.00245
𝑝= = 0.0038 > 0.0018 (Temp. and Shrinkage for 𝑓𝑦 = 400 𝑀𝑃𝑎
1(0.65)
< 0.0016 (Table 8 − 2)
Example 8-9

A 450 mm square interior column carries a dead load of 825 kN and a live load of 668 kN. A
rectangular footing is required to carry the column loads such that the length of the long
side must be equal to twice the width of the short side. Assume base of footing is 1.5 m
below the ground surface. Allowable bearing pressure of soil is 192 kPa. fc’ = 27.6 M{a, fy =
415 MPa.

1. Determine the dimension of the rectangular footing.

2. Determine the longitudinal steel requirements.
3. Determine the steel requirements in short direction.

Figure E8-9.1

Solution:
Step 1. Dimension of the rectangular footing.

Assume total depth of 600 mm.

 Effective depth = 600 mm – 75 mm = 525 mm

Effective soil pressure:

𝑞𝑒 = 192 kPa − 0.6m(23.50 (kN⁄m3 ) − 15.74 kN⁄m3 )(0.9 𝑚)
𝑞𝑒 = 163.73 kPa

Area required:
𝐷𝐿 + 𝐿𝐿
𝐿𝑊 =
𝑞𝑒
825 kN + 668 kN
2𝑊(𝑊) =
163.73 kN⁄m2
𝑊 = 2.14 𝑚
𝐿 = 2𝑊 = 2(2.14 𝑚) = 4.28 𝑚
𝐴 = 𝑊𝐿 = (2.14 𝑚)(4.28 𝑚) = 9.16𝑚2
Figure E8-9.2
Ultimate soil pressure:
1.2𝐷𝐿 + 1.6𝐿𝐿
𝑞𝑢 =
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎
1.2(825 𝑘𝑁) + 1.6(668 𝑘𝑁)
𝑞𝑢 =
9.16𝑚2
𝑞𝑢 = 224.76 𝑘𝑁⁄𝑚2 = 224.76 𝑘𝑃𝑎

Step 2. Determine depth d by shear

Considering one way shear:

2𝑑 + 𝑐
𝑉𝑢 = 𝑞𝑢 [𝐿 − ]𝑊
2

Figure E8-9.3

4.28𝑚 − (2𝑥0.525𝑚 + 0.45𝑚)

𝑉𝑢 = (224.76 𝑘𝑁⁄𝑚2 ) [ ] (2.14𝑚)
2
𝑉𝑢 = (224.76 𝑘𝑁⁄𝑚2 )(1.39 𝑚)(2.14𝑚)
𝑉𝑢 = 668.57 𝑘𝑁
∅√𝑓𝑐′𝑏𝑑 0.75√27.6 𝑘𝑁⁄𝑚2 (2140)(𝑑)
𝑉𝑢 = 668570 𝑁 =
6 6
𝑑 = 476 𝑚𝑚 < 525 𝑜𝑘
 Considering two-way shear (punching shear):

𝑉𝑢 = 𝑞𝑢 [𝐿𝑊 − (𝑑 + 𝑐)2 ]
𝑉𝑢 = 224.76 𝑘𝑁⁄𝑚2 [(4.28𝑚)(2.14𝑚) − (0.525𝑚 + 0.45𝑚)2 ]
𝑉𝑢 = 1844.96 𝑘𝑁
𝑉𝑢 = 1844960 𝑁

∅√𝑓𝑐′𝑏𝑜 𝑑
𝑉𝑢 =
3
𝑏𝑜 = 4(𝑐𝑜𝑙 + 𝑑)
𝑏𝑜 = 4(450𝑚𝑚 + 525𝑚𝑚)
𝑏𝑜 = 3900 𝑚𝑚

Figure E8-9.4

0.65√27.6 𝑘𝑁⁄𝑚2 (3900 𝑚𝑚)𝑑

1844960 𝑁 =
3
𝑑 = 416 𝑚𝑚 < 525 𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑘
𝑼𝒔𝒆 𝟐. 𝟏𝟒 𝒎 𝒙 𝟒. 𝟐𝟖 𝒎 𝒙 𝟎. 𝟔𝟎 𝒎 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈

Step 3. Determine the steel reinforcing requirement

For longitudinal steel requirements:

(𝑊 − 𝑐) (𝑊 − 𝑐) 1
𝑀𝑢 = 𝑞𝑢 𝐿 [ ][ ]( )
2 2 2

Figure E8-95
 (2.14𝑚 − 0.45𝑚) (2.14𝑚 − 0.45𝑚) 1
𝑀𝑢 = 224.76 𝑘𝑁⁄𝑚2 [ ] [( ) ( )]
2 2 2
1
𝑀𝑢 = 224.76 𝑘𝑁⁄𝑚2 (4.28 𝑚)(0.845 𝑚) [(0.845) (2)] 𝑀𝑢 = 𝟑𝟒𝟑. 𝟒𝟒 𝐤𝐍.

𝑀𝑢 = ∅𝑓𝑐′𝑏𝑑2 𝜔(1 − 0.59𝜔)

343.44 𝑥106 N. mm = 0.90(20.7 N⁄mm2 )(4280 mm)(525mm)2 𝜔(1 − 0.59𝜔)

𝜔(1 − 0.59𝜔) = 0.0117203

𝜔2 − 1.6949𝜔 + 0.0198648 = 0

𝜔 = 0.0118

𝜌𝑓𝑦
𝜔=
𝑓𝑐′

𝜌(415 𝑀𝑃𝑎)
0.0118 =
20.7 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜌 = 0.00078

1.4
𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = Figure E8-96
𝑓𝑦
1.4
𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 415 𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.00337 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.00337

𝐴𝑠 = 𝜌𝑏𝑑
𝐴𝑠 = 0.00337(4280 𝑚𝑚)(425 𝑚𝑚) 𝐴𝑠 = 7572 𝑚𝑚2
Reinforcement in short direction:

(𝑊 − 𝑐) (𝑊 − 𝑐) 1
𝑀𝑢 = 𝑞𝑢 𝐿 [ ][ ]( )
2 2 2
(2.14𝑚 − 0.45𝑚) (2.14𝑚 − 0.45𝑚) 1
𝑀𝑢 = 224.76 𝑘𝑁⁄𝑚2 [ ] [( ) ( )]
2 2 2
1
𝑀𝑢 = 224.76 𝑘𝑁⁄𝑚2 (4.28 𝑚)[0.845 𝑚] [(0.845) ( )]
2

𝑀𝑢 = 343.44 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 𝑀𝑢 = ∅𝑓𝑐′𝑏𝑑 2 𝜔(1 − 0.59𝜔)

343.44 𝑥106 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚 = 0.90(20.7 𝑁⁄𝑚𝑚2 )(4280 𝑚𝑚)(525𝑚𝑚)2 𝜔(1 − 0.59𝜔)
𝜔(1 − 0.59𝜔) = 0.0117203 𝜔2 − 1.6949𝜔 + 0.0198648 = 0
𝜌𝑓𝑦
𝜔 = 0.0118 𝜔= 𝑓𝑐′

𝜌(415 𝑀𝑃𝑎)
0.0118 = 𝜌 = 0.00078
20.7 𝑀𝑃𝑎
1.4
𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 =
𝑓𝑦
1.4
𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 =
415
𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.00337
𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝜌𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 0.00337 Figure E8-9.8
𝐴𝑠 = 𝜌𝑏𝑑
𝐴𝑠 = 0.00337(4280 mm)(425 mm)
𝐴𝑠 = 7572 mm2

Reinforcing in bandwidths 2
=
Total reinforcements in short direction 𝛽 + 1

𝐿 2𝑊
𝛽= = ; 𝛽=2
𝑊 𝑊
 Reinforcing in bandwidths 2 2
= =
Total reinforcements in short direction 2 + 1 3
𝐴𝑠1 2
2
= 𝐴𝑠1 = 5048 𝑚𝑚2
7572 𝑚𝑚 3

𝑈𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 22 𝑚𝑚Ø
𝜋
(22 𝑚𝑚)2 𝑁 = 5048 𝑚𝑚2 𝑁 = 13.3 𝑠𝑎𝑦 14 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑠
4
𝜋
𝐴𝑠1 = (22)2 (14) 𝐴𝑠1 = 5322 𝑚𝑚2
4
2𝐴𝑠2 + 𝐴𝑠1 = 𝐴𝑠 2𝐴𝑠2 + 5322 𝑚𝑚2 = 7572 𝑚𝑚2
𝜋
𝐴𝑠2 = 1125 𝑚𝑚2 (22 𝑚𝑚)2 𝑁 = 1125 𝑚𝑚2
4
𝑁 = 2.9 𝑠𝑎𝑦 3 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑠

Step 4. Draw a final sketch

Figure E8-9.9 Final sketch for transverse bars

ECCENTRICALLY LOADED SPREAD FOOTINGS

When footings have overturning moments as well as axial loads, the resultant soil pressure
does not coincide with the centroid of the footing. If we assume the footing is somewhat less
than rigid (and most are), the application of the statics equation of
 𝑃 𝑀𝑐
±
𝐴 𝐼
Gives a triangular soil pressure and displacement zone ab1 as shown in Figure 8-13. If qmax
> qult as shown along the toe as line 1b, the soil pressure reduces to its ultimate value and
stress is transferred to point 2. When this qmax, 2 > qult the pressure again reduces to qult,
and the process of load redistribution (similar to concrete beam analysis in Strength Design
as given by Figure. 8-3) continues until equilibrium (or failure) is obtained.

The displacement also initially has a somewhat linear shape as shown by line ab. This
observation is consistent with concrete design where the compression zone continues to
have an approximately liner variation of strain to some “ultimate” value but at the same
time the assumed rectangular pressure block of depth a shown in Figure 8-3b is being
produced (see also Figure 4-1) at least for compressive stresses that are at or somewhat
below the ultimate stress of the concrete. The equivalent of depth a of the concrete beam is
the length L’ of the footings as shown in Figure 8-13.

After careful consideration it appears that the base should be designed consistent with the
procedure for obtaining the bearing capacity. That is, use dimension B’, L’ for the design
also.

This procedure ensures four items of considerable concern:

1. The resultant soil R is never out of the middle-third of the base so that overturning
stability is always satisfied (taking moments about point 1 of Figure 8-13). This R always
gives

𝑀resist 𝑃𝐿
𝑆𝐹 = =
𝑀overturn 2𝑀
2. The toe pressure will always be such that qtoe ≤ qa.
3. The design is more easily done when a uniform soil pressure is used to compute design
moments.
4. Approximately the same amount of steel is required as in design using Eq. (8-14). One
can never obtain a good comparison since a footing with overturning is heavily
dependent upon the assumption used by the engineer.
Satisfaction for the values of B’ and L’.

𝐵𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 4𝑒𝑦 + 𝑤𝑦 𝐵 ′ = 2𝑒𝑦 + 𝑤𝑦

𝐿𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 4𝑒𝑥 + 𝑤𝑥 𝐿′ = 2𝑒𝑥 + 𝑤𝑥
Where the appropriate dimensions are defined on figure 8-14a.

𝑀𝑦 𝑀𝑥
𝑒𝑥 = 𝑒𝑦 =
𝑃 𝑃
Minimum values of B’ and L’ moment arm of length
𝐿𝑦 = 𝐵 ′ − 𝑤𝑦 𝐿𝑥 = 𝐿′ − 𝑤𝑥
The amount of steel computed for a unit of width is used across the full base dimensions of
B and L.
Figure 8.14 General case of footing with overturning

For two-way shear we have two options:

1. Compute an “average” q = P/BL and use this q value in Eq. (8-6).
2. Use the approximate Eq. (8-8), which does not use the upward soil pressure in the
punch-out zone around the column. The author recommends using approximate Eq. (8-
8) both to achieve some small steel economy and to increase the base depth slightly for a
somewhat more conservative design.
The structural designer opts to make a rigid base analysis; it is usually done using the
following equation:
𝑃 6𝑒
𝑞= (1 ± )
𝐵𝐿 𝐿
To solve for the eccentricity e, considering that the minimum q = 0, the eccentricity e
becomes:
𝑒 = 𝐿⁄6

Example 8-11.

Design a footing B x L such that a soil pressure will be approximately uniform for the
following conditions (see Figure 8.14c):

D = 419.6 kN L = 535.4 kN Md = 228 kN.m ML = 249.5 kN.m

HD = 42.1 kN HL = 53.2 kN
Column: Square 500 x 500 mm with eight No. 25 bars
f’c = 28 MPa fy = 400 MPa
Footing: f’c = 21 MPa fy = 400 MPa qa = 150 kPa

Solution:
Step 1. Find footing dimension B x L:

𝑃 = 419.6 + 535.4 = 955 kN

𝑀 = 228 + 249.5 = 477.5 kN

𝑀 477.5
𝑒= = = 0.50 𝑚
𝑃 955
Note this e should be increased slightly owing to the additional overturning moment from
Hd + HL. Use e = 0.55 m (see Figure E8-11a).

For e = 0.55 m the edge of the column is 0.30 m from the footing centerline. The required
footing area for q = qa = 150 kPa is:

955
𝑞𝑎 = = 6.4 𝑚2.
150
𝐴 = 𝐵 𝑥 𝐿 = 𝐵 2 = 6.4 𝑚2

B = 2.52 m, try B x L = 2.60 x 2.60 m

Step 2. Find the footing depth (refer to Figure E8-11b)

For two-way action (note edge distance limit d/2 ≤ 0.50) use approximate Eq. (8-8):

𝐵𝐿𝑞
4𝑑2 + 2(𝑏 + 𝑐)𝑑 =
𝑣𝑐

𝑣𝑐 = 1.30 𝑀𝑃𝑎

(2.60)(2.60)(221.5)
4𝑑 2 + 2(0.5 + 0.5)𝑑 =
1300
𝑑 2 + 0.5𝑑 = 0.228

𝑑 = 0.34 𝑚 < 0.50 𝑜𝑘

Find the depth for wide-beam shear at d from the column for a strip 1 m wide. We would, of
course, check d = 0.34 m, but it is about as easy to compute the required d:

𝑑(1)(𝑣𝑐 ) = 1(1.3 + 0.30 − 𝑑)𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡

𝑣𝑐 = 0.649 𝑀𝑃𝑎 = 649 𝑘𝑃𝑎 (Table 8 − 2)

Inserting values, we obtain

649𝑑 = 1.60(221.5) − 221.5𝑑

𝑑 = 0.407 m > 0.34 (𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒, 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑒 − 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑠

Use
𝑑 = 0.41 𝑚 (𝐷𝑐 ≅ 0.50 m)
Step 3. Check ΣM about centerline using Dc = 0.50 m (Figure 8-14c)
 0.50(62.1 + 53.2) + 228 + 249.5 − 955(0.55) = ?

47.7 + 477.5 − 525.3 = −0.1 (should be 0.0)

Check sliding stability

𝐻resisting
≥ 𝐻𝑑 + 𝐻𝐿
𝑆𝐹
Generally,

𝐻resisting = 𝑃 tan 𝛿 + 𝑐 ′ 𝐴footing + passive pressure

For c’, δ see Table 4-5. For passive pressure may seen later on the other topic of this course.

Step 4. Find the required reinforcing bars for bending.

Long dimension = 𝑜𝑐 + 0.3𝑚 = 1.3 + 0.3 = 1.6 𝑚

2.60 − 0.50
Short dimension = = 1.05 𝑚
2
For long direction (length aoc) = 2.60 – 2(0.075) = 2.45 m long bars (the 0.075 m is the
concrete clear-cover requirement)

Since the footing is square, the length in short direction is the same as in long direction.

Therefore, use the final footing dimensions

𝟐. 𝟔𝟎 𝒙 𝟐. 𝟔𝟎 𝑥 𝐷𝑐 with 𝑑 ≥ 𝟎. 𝟒𝟏 𝒎

WALL FOOTINGS AND FOOTINGS FOR RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

Load-bearing walls are supported by continuous-strip footings. Sometimes they are

corbelled out to accommodate columns integral with the wall. In these cases the columns
support a major portion of the interior floor loads; the walls carry self-weight and perimeter
floor loads. Figure 8-16 illustrates typical wall footings.

Design of a wall footing consists in providing a depth adequate for wide-beam shear (which
will control as long as d ≤ 2/3 x footing projection). The remainder of the design consists in
providing sufficient reinforcing steel for bending requirements of the footing projection.
Longitudinal steel is required to satisfy shrinkage requirements.

Wall footings for residential construction are usually of dimension to satisfy the local
building code requirements to allow placing foundation walls. The contact pressure is
usually on the order of 17 to 25 kPa including the wall weight.
Example 8-12

Design the wall footing for an industrial for the following data. Wall load consists in 20.1
kN/m (D = 50, L=20.1 kN/m) including wall, floor, and roof contribution.

𝑓𝑐′ = 21 𝑀𝑃𝑎 𝑓𝑦 = 400 𝑀𝑃𝑎

𝑞𝑎 = 200 𝑘𝑃𝑎 Wall of concrete block 200 𝑥 300 𝑥 400 mm (8 𝑥 12 𝑥 16 in. )

Solution:

From Table 8-2, wide-beam vc = 649 kPa (no two-way action)

Step 1. Find footing width:

70.1
𝐵= = 0.35 𝑚
200
Since this is only 50 mm wider than the 300-mm concrete block, we will arbitrarily make
the footing project 150 mm on each side of the wall, or

B = 300 + 150 + 150 = 600 mm

We will arbitrarily make the total footing depth Dc = 400 mm (d = 400 – 80 = 320 mm).
Then the ultimate soil pressure shall be:

𝑃𝑢𝑙𝑡 1.2(50) + 1.6(20.1)

𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡 = = = 153.6 kPa⁄m Use 154 kPa⁄m < 200 allowable
𝐵 600⁄1000

Step 2. Check wide-beam shear for the trial depth d = 320 mm. this will be done at the
face of the wall (not d out) for the most severe condition: the soil pressure equals
 174 kPa and the projected length L’ equals 150 mm, giving Vu = qL’ = 174 x
150/1000 = 26.1 kN/m. the allowable concrete shear stress is 649 kPa (from
Table 8-2), and the actual shear stress for a wall length of L = 1 m is
𝑉𝑢 26.1
𝑣𝑎 = = = 82 kPa ≪ 649 depth is ok
𝐿𝑑 1 𝑥 (320⁄1000)

Step 3. Find required steel for transverse bending. Using meters rather than millimeters for
computations to avoid huge numbers, we obtain
1
Moment arm 𝐿′ = overhang + concrete block width
4
1
𝐿′ = 0.150 + (0.30) = 0.225 𝑚
4
(See Figure 8-5b for masonry columns.) the resulting “ultimate” moment Mu is

𝑞𝐿2 174(0.225)2
𝑀𝑢 = = = 4.04 kN. m⁄m
2 2

Since the concrete fc’ = 21 and fy = 400 MPa are the same as used in Example 8-2, we have
that example a = 22.4As (see step 6). Now making substitutions into the previously used
rearrangement of Eq. (8-2), we obtain (using d = 320/1000, B = 1.0, and ϕ = 0.9)

22.4𝐴𝑠 4.04
𝐴𝑠 (0.32 − )=
2 0.9 𝑥 400 𝑥 1000
Simplifying,
𝐴2𝑠 − 0.0286𝐴𝑠 = 1.0 𝑥 10−6

Solving the quadratic equation, we obtain

𝐴𝑠 = 0.035 𝑥 10−3 𝑚2 ⁄𝑚 = 𝟑𝟓𝟎 𝑚2 ⁄𝑚

Step 4. Check for temperature and shrinkage (T and S) based on ACI Art. 7.12, and grade
400 bars so that the percentage ρ = 0.0018. The steel area As per meter of wall
length is

𝐴𝑠 = 𝜌𝑑𝐵 = 0.0018 𝑥 0.32 𝑥 1.0 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟕𝟔 𝒙 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 𝑚2 ⁄𝑚

𝐴𝑠 = 576 𝑚𝑚2 > 𝟑𝟓𝟎 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐬

Use six No. 10 bars⁄meter , giving 𝐴𝑠 = 6 𝑥 100 = 600 𝑚𝑚2 ⁄𝑚 > 576 𝑜𝑘

Spacing of T and S:
𝐿 (1 − m strip) 1000
𝑆 = = = 167 mm < 5 𝑥 𝐷𝑐 < 500 mm of ACI Art. 7.12.2.2
No. of bars 6
Step 5. Select longitudinal steel. Since there is no moment arm, we will make an arbitrary
selection based on a minimum of T and S of 576 mm2. Let us use eight No. 10
bars as follows:

Furnished 𝐴𝑠 = 8 𝑥 100 = 800 mm2 > 576 for 𝑇 and 𝑆)

Step 6. Make a design sketch like Figure E8-12.

References:

1. Teng, Wayne C., Foundation Design, Prentice Hall, latest edition

2. Peck, R. B., Hanson, W. F. and Thornburn, T. H. Foundation Engineering, John
Wiley
3. Foundation Analysis and Design, 5th Edition, Joseph E. Bowles
4. Foundation Engineering, 2nd Edition, Robert W. Day, Chapter 3, p. 3.3
5. Basic Fundamentals of Foundation Engineering, by Venancio I. Besavilla
6. Principles of Foundation Engineering, Ninth Edition, Braja M. Das, Nagaratnam
Sivakugan CENGAGE