METU Civil Engineering Department

CE366 Foundation Engineering

Chapter 6: Design of Shallow Foundations

By Nejan Huvaj

What topics we will cover:

• Eccentricity, Modified Stress Distribution
• Two-way eccentricity
• Combined footing: Moments and shears
• Trapezoidal-shaped foundation
• Cantilever footing
• Two-way eccentricity on Unsymmetrical Footing
 Let’s remember the
Types of foundations

1) Shallow Foundations
a. Single footing (Simplest, cheapest type)
b. Combined footing
c. Wall footing (continous footing)
d. Cantilever footing
e. Mat foundation
2) Deep Foundations
Single
footing
Single footing

D
B

L
Continous
footings Load carrying wall
Or also called
wall footing

Or also called
strip footing
(şerit temel)
Combined footing

One-way,
Two-way
Combined
footing
Cantilever
footing

What is its
difference
from
combined
footing?

Top
view

Combined
footing
Shallow Foundations (sığ temeller)
combined footing
Mat (raft) foundation
Mat foundation
Mat (raft) foundation
• Loads are transmitted from the columns or walls to
the foundation.
• Structural analysis of the building is done, then we
are given the forces and moments acting on the
foundation
Foundation Design Steps
1) Choose a preliminary shape and dimensions for
your foundation
What is the simplest type of foundation?
Shape? Size?

2) Obtain idealized soil profile, determine soil

properties, and calculate ‘net safe bearing capacity’
idealized soil profile

determine soil
properties,
and calculate
‘net safe
bearing
capacity’
Which soil
properties
are needed?
http://www.soilconsultants.co.uk/about/
Ultimate bearing capacity
(for square foundation):
qult = qf = 0.4 ∙ γ ∙ B ∙ Nγ + 1.2 ∙ c ∙ Nc + γ ∙ D ∙ Nq
qult = qf = 𝑐𝑢 ∙ Nc + γ ∙ D (for clays)
Net ultimate bearing capacity:
qnf = qf - γ ∙ D
Net safe bearing capacity:
𝑞𝑛𝑓 How much pressure soil can carry at failure
𝐹. 𝑆. =
𝑞𝑛𝑒𝑡 How much pressure will come to soil due to
How much pressure, the structure
structure can apply to soil
with sufficient safety margin 𝑞𝑛𝑓
(FS typically 2.5 or 3.0) (𝑞𝑛𝑒𝑡 )𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒 =
𝐹. 𝑆.
Pressure satisfying both
- the bearing capacity and
- settlement criteria
is called

net allowable bearing capacity ( 𝒒net,all ).

(zemin emniyet gerilmesi – in Turkish)

14
How much pressure, the
structure can apply to soil
with sufficient safety margin
(FS typically 2.5 or 3.0) 𝑞𝑛𝑓
(𝑞𝑛𝑒𝑡 )𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒 =
𝐹. 𝑆.
(𝑞𝑛𝑒𝑡 )𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒 also means: settlement is calculated and the
settlement is within allowable limits.

If not, that means, structure should not apply this pressure

to soil.
- We should apply less pressure such that limit settlement
values are not exceeded (structure should have less
weight?, less number of floors?),
- or change the foundation type (to combined footing, to
mat foundation, to pile foundation…?...)
- or do ground improvement to improve soil’s bearing
capacity and reduce its compressibility
Example:
𝑞𝑢𝑙𝑡
Consider both bearing 𝑞𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒 =
capacity, and settlement. 3.0 600 kPa
160 200
Max. Allowable failure
settlement

Load - settlement relationship of a foundation

Let’s say we calculated qult as 600 kPa and using F.S.=3.0, qult / 3.0 gives 200 kPa.

Calculate settlement using 200 kPa. If settlement calculated under 200 kPa, exceeds
the allowable settlement, then 200 kPa cannot be applied on this soil. Therefore ‘net
allowable bearing capacity’ should be something less than 200 kPa (as an example,
say 160 kPa, corresponding to max. allowable settlement, e.g. 10 cm)
Foundation Design Steps
1) Choose a preliminary shape and dimensions for
your foundation

2) Obtain idealized soil profile, determine soil

properties, and calculate ‘net safe bearing capacity’
Foundation Design Steps
3) Put column loads and moments on your
foundation and calculate max. stress underneath
the foundation 500 kN.m
800 kN 1100
900
400 kN
or
BxB

max. stress
800 𝑘𝑁
qmax=
𝐵𝑥𝐵
? max.
Max. stress should not exceed (𝑞𝑛𝑒𝑡 )𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒 stress
4) If it exceeds change the foundation dimensions, type
Foundation Design Steps

5) After satisfactory solution, with final dimensions

of your foundation, calculate settlement

If settlement ≤ Allowable settlement → OK

If settlement > Allowable settlement → find the

pressure corresponding to allowable settlement.
This pressure will be the max. pressure we can
apply to soil.
Foundation Design Steps
6) Check buoyancy
At any time during construction: F.S.buoyancy > 1.0
𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
F.S.buoyancy =
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑢𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒

(Submerged volume of structure x gwater)

If F.S.buoyancy < 1.0
What can we do? To make it greater than 1.0
- Increase the upper part of the equation (nominator)? How?
• Add one more floor? ☺ uplift force

• Make thicker & heavier foundation?

• Additional downward force?
``Why is buoyancy an important factor in the design of an underground concrete
structure? The simple answer is that the buoyant forces created by water need to be
resisted to prevent the structure from floating or shifting upward.``
You may read:
https://precast.org/2010/07/why-buoyancy-forces-cannot-be-ignored/
``According to ACI 350, the safety factor against flotation is usually computed as the total
dead weight of the structure divided by the total hydrostatic uplift force.``

Buoyancy countermeasures
• Base extension (cast-in-place or
precast). Using the additional weight of
soil by adding shelves is a common
method used to counteract buoyancy.

• Anti-flotation slab.

• Increase member thickness

• Lower structure elevation and fill with

additional concrete
Foundation Design Steps
𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
F.S.buoyancy =
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑢𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒

• Additional downward force?

uplift force

Friction (tension) piles

• Or with anchors, hold the floating structure down

- Decrease the lower part of the equation (denominator)?

How?
• Lower the ground water table? permanently?
Statics of Rigid Foundations

a) In plan view, determine the CENTROID (geometric

center) of the foundation

Common shapes: square, rectangle, circle,

trapezoid…

cx =

cy =
b) determine the point of application
of the resultant of all forces and moments
Statics…
500 kN.m
1100 Resultant
900
400 kN

(For example, by summation of moments about the left

edge of the foundation, and dividing this sum by the total
vertical forces, gives the moment arm of resultant from
the left edge)
c) Calculate the maximum and minimum stresses that
the foundation would apply to soil (or in other words,
the reaction in the soil)

• Concentric loading:
Resultant acts at the centroid, then we will get uniform
pressure distribution beneath the foundation
Resultant, Resultant,
Q Q

max.
B stress
𝑸 (𝒌𝑵)
qmax=
𝑩∙𝑳
• Eccentric loading:
Resultant does not act at the centroid, there will be
eccentricity and we will get non-uniform (triangular,
trapezoidal etc.) pressure distribution beneath the
foundation

500 kN.m
1100 Resultant
900 Eccentricity, e
400

max.stress
• Eccentric loading:
How can we calculate the pressure distribution beneath
the foundation?
Moment
Resultant ΣM = e ·ΣQ
e Resultant
ΣQ

Concentric vertical Load

+ Moment
 Resultant
ΣQ
Moment
ΣM = e ·ΣQ
Resultant
ΣQ
+

Moment
ΣM = e ·ΣQ
 Resultant
ΣQ Moment
M = e ·ΣQ
+ B

+
𝚺𝑸 (𝒌𝑵) 𝟔∙𝑴 Soil
qmax= 𝑳 ∙ 𝑩𝟐
pressure
𝑩∙𝑳
due to
moment

Where does this come from?

 Moment
M = e ·ΣQ
B Where does this come from?

𝟔∙𝑴 B/2
𝑳 ∙ 𝑩𝟐
L
𝑴∙𝒚
𝝈=
𝑰
B
𝑩
𝑴∙
𝝈= 𝟐
𝟏
∙ 𝑳 ∙ 𝑩𝟑
𝟏𝟐
 If we want to find stress due
Moment to moment at a point 1.5 m
M = e ·ΣQ away from the centerline?

1.5 m
L
𝟔∙𝑴 𝑴∙𝒚
𝝈=
𝑳 ∙ 𝑩𝟐 𝑰
B
𝑴 ∙ (𝟏. 𝟓 𝒎)
𝝈=
𝟏
∙ 𝑳 ∙ 𝑩𝟑
𝟏𝟐

Since we want to find the `max. stress` due to moment

we used y=B/2 in the equation
 Resultant
ΣQ Moment
M = e ·ΣQ
+
+ Soil
pressure
𝚺𝑸 (𝒌𝑵) 𝟔∙𝑴 due to
qmax= 𝑳 ∙ 𝑩𝟐 moment
𝑩∙𝑳

𝚺𝑸 (𝒌𝑵) 𝟔∙𝑴
min. qmax= +
𝑩∙𝑳 𝑳 ∙ 𝑩𝟐
stress
max. 𝚺𝑸 (𝒌𝑵) 𝟔∙𝑴
stress qmin= −
𝑩∙𝑳 𝑳 ∙ 𝑩𝟐
 Resultant
ΣQ Moment
M = e ·ΣQ
+
B
M = e ·ΣQ
+
𝚺𝑸 (𝒌𝑵) 𝟔∙𝑴
qmax=
𝑩∙𝑳 𝑳 ∙ 𝑩𝟐
𝚺𝑸 (𝒌𝑵) 𝟔∙(𝒆∙𝚺𝑸)
qmax= +
min. 𝑩∙𝑳 𝑳 ∙ 𝑩𝟐
𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆
stress
max. qmax= 𝑩∙𝑳
∙ (1 + )
𝑩
stress 𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆
qmin= 𝑩∙𝑳
∙ (1 − )
𝑩
• NOTE: For a strip footing having a width, B, and a very
long, L, which can be considered as infinity,
calculations can be done, for ‘ per meter length into
the page ’ 𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆
qmax= 𝑩∙𝟏 ∙ (1 + 𝑩
kN/m2 / m
)
𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆
qmin= 𝑩∙𝟏
∙ (1 −
𝑩
)

• NOTE: For a rectangular foundation, if the eccentricity

is in the L direction
Resultant
e 𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆
qmax= ∙ (1 + )
𝑩∙𝑳 𝑳
𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆
qmin= ∙ (1 − )
L 𝑩∙𝑳 𝑳
Page 95 of CE366 Lecture Notes
We obtained soil pressure due to eccentric loading
Resultant
e
𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆
qmax= 𝑩∙𝑳
∙ (1 +
𝑩
)
B
𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆
min. qmin= 𝑩∙𝑳
∙ (1 −
𝑩
)
stress max.
stress
• Can soil pressure beneath the foundation be negative?
When it can become negative? What happens if it
becomes negative?
• What happens if max. soil pressure beneath the foundation
exceeds the allowable pressure soil can carry?
We obtained soil pressure due to eccentric loading
Resultant
e
𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆
qmax= 𝑩∙𝑳
∙ (1 +
𝑩
)
B
𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆
min. qmin= 𝑩∙𝑳
∙ (1 −
𝑩
)
stress max.
stress
• Find limiting eccentricity, e, for which qmin will be equal to
zero
𝟔∙𝒆 𝑩
qmin=0 1− =𝟎 𝒆=
𝑩 𝟔
If eccentricity, e = B/6, then qmin=0
𝑩
𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆 𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙
qmin= 𝑩∙𝑳
∙ (1 −
𝑩
) qmin= ∙ 1− 𝟔
=𝟎
𝑩∙𝑳 𝑩
𝑩
𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙ 𝟐𝑸
𝟔
qmax= 𝑩∙𝑳
∙ 1+
𝑩
=
𝑩∙𝑳
Resultant
e
If eccentricity,
e = B/6, then qmin=0
qmin=0 And we will get
triangular stress
distribution
qmax=2Q / B·L
If eccentricity, e < B/6, we will get trapezoidal stress
distribution

Resultant
e

B
𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆
qmax= 𝑩∙𝑳
∙ (1 +
𝑩
)
min.
stress max.
stress 𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆
qmin= 𝑩∙𝑳
∙ (1 −
𝑩
)
Page 96 of CE366 Lecture Notes

Figure 5.4a. Soil pressure distribution beneath a combined rectangular

footing
If eccentricity, e > B/6 ???
𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆
qmin= 𝑩∙𝑳
∙ (1 − )
𝑩

then qmin will be negative.

B
What does this mean physically?

Soil cannot take tension.

Therefore, negative base pressure under the foundation
means, foundation will loose contact with the soil
below.
One side of the foundation will be lifted off the ground
Therefore,
Many building codes around the world,
B/6 B/6
limits the eccentricity by B/6

B
B/3 B/3 B/3
Resultant should act within the
middle one third of the foundation
If eccentricity, e ≤ B/6 , we will get either triangular or
trapezoidal stress distributions, both are OK.
If eccentricity, e > B/6 , we will get negative base
pressure, it is not acceptable.
If eccentricity, e > B/6 , what solutions we can do?

Move the resultant force closer to

the centerline of the foundation?

If possible have it acting exactly

at the centroid to have uniform
base pressure distribution
underneath.
If eccentricity, e > B/6 , what solutions we can do?

We cannot move the resultant

force wherever we want. We are
dictated by the structural system.
Due to structural frame, the loads
cannot be moved around.
If eccentricity, e > B/6 , what solutions we can do?
e
Increase B , until eccentricity
is less than B/6 ?
B
Towards which side we
B/2+e should extend B? To the
right? To the left?

How much we should

B 2e extend B?
B+2e (if we make (B/2+e)=half of
the new dimension, then we
B/2+e B/2+e will have uniform press. distr.)
Page 96 of CE366 Lecture Notes

e
2e

Figure 5.4b Uniform soil pressure beneath a rectangular footing

(uniform distribution provided by extension of footing)
If eccentricity, e > B/6 , what solutions we can do?

e
Change the foundation shape,
such that, the centroid of the new
shape is closer to the point where
B resultant is acting (centroid more
towards right side)

Can you think of a shape, whose centroid is more

towards right side?

A trapezoid? The longer side of the Top

trapezoid should be on view
the left? or on the right?
Example:
Consider a circular footing with a load, Q, acting eccentrically
on it, creating a moment M=Q·e. Ignore the weight of the
foundation. In terms of the diameter of the foundation, D, find
the limiting eccentricity, for which, minimum base pressure is
zero (i.e. no tension develops under the foundation).

Moment of inertia of a circular area

with respect to an axis passing
through its center is:

I = (π . R4) / 4 where R is the

radius of the footing.
Solution:

Σ𝑄 (𝑘𝑁) M∙y
q=
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎
± (σ= )
I

𝑄 (Q∙𝑒)∙R
qmin = 𝐷2
− 𝑅4
(𝜋∙ ) (𝜋∙ )
4 4

qmin = 0

𝑄 (Q ∙ 𝑒) ∙ R
= e=R/4
𝐷 2 𝑅4
(𝜋 ∙ ) (𝜋 ∙ )
4 4
Example:
Solution:
Resultant force, R = P1 + P2 = 850 kN + 1350 kN = 2200 kN
Finding the location of resultant couple by taking moment
w. r. t the center of left column:
90 kN. m + 125 kN. m + 1350 kN ∗ 4.6 m = 2200 kN ∗ x
x = 2.92 m, from the center of left column
′
0.3 m
x = 2.92 m + = 3.07 m, from the left end of foundation
2
For uniform pressure distribution, x ′ has to coincide with the centroid
of the base area:
L = 2 ∗ x ′ = 2 ∗ 3.07 m → 𝐋 = 𝟔. 𝟏𝟒𝐦
Resultant
Since uniform pressure distrubution: q =
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎
as the weight of the combined footing and columns were ignored:
Resultant
q= = 155 kPa 155 ∗ B ∗ 6.14 m = 2200 kN
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎
𝐁 = 𝟐. 𝟑𝟏 𝐦
Note: You can try to solve this question, for the case where we don’t ignore the weight of the
foundation.
If eccentricity, e > B/6 , what solutions we can do?

OR:
B Use Modified Stress Distribution

…..
 If eccentricity, e > B/6 , what solutions we can do?
Resultant
e
Can we obtain B′
directly from the
similar triangles?
(-) B No.

Use Modified Stress Distribution, on a

foundation having width B′ (unknown)
Resultant and triangular stress distribution
Note: Resultant vertical force
magnitude and where it is acting in
B′ space, cannot be changed.
Therefore, resultant force’s distance
from the right edge is constant:
qmax (B/2 – e)
Example:
A rectangular foundation having dimensions of 2 x 3 m, as shown in the
figure below carries 2500 kN vertical force. Calculate base pressures.
2500 kN Is B′ = 1.83 m and qmax = 916.7 kPa ?
0.4 No.
qmin = -83.3 kPa 1.83 m
(-) (2-x)
x
B=2 m x=0.17 m

Solution: qmax = 916.7 kPa

𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆
qmax=
𝑩∙𝑳
∙ (1 +
𝑩
) qmax= 𝟐𝟓𝟎𝟎
𝟐∙𝟑
∙ 1+
𝟔∙𝟎.𝟒
𝟐
= 916.7 kPa

𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆 𝟐𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝟔∙𝟎.𝟒

qmin= ∙ (1 − ) qmin= 𝟐∙𝟑
∙ 1−
𝟐
= −83.3 kPa
𝑩∙𝑳 𝑩

Negative base pressure not acceptable, let’s use Modified pressure

distribution, having B’
If eccentricity, e > B/6 , how we can find B′ :
Resultant
e
❶ σ 𝐹𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = 0
1
Resultant = ∙ 𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 ∙ 𝐵′ ∙ 𝐿
2
B Resultant
❷ σ 𝑀𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑒 = 0
𝐵 1 𝐵′
Resultant · ( − 𝑒)=( ∙ 𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 ∙ 𝐵′ ∙ 𝐿)·
B′ 2 2 3
Moment arms should be equal

𝐵 𝐵′
qmax ( − 𝑒)=
2 3
In other words, the base pressure
𝑩
distribution’s resultant should coincide 𝑩′ = 3 ∙ ( − 𝒆)
with the resultant vertical force 𝟐
 2500 kN No. B′ ≠ 1.83 m and qmax ≠ 916.7 kPa
0.4
0.6 m

❷ σ 𝑀𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑒 = 0

B=2 m 𝐵 1 𝐵′
Resultant · ( − 𝑒)=( ∙ 𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 ∙ 𝐵′ ∙ 𝐿)·
2 2 3
2500 kN Moment arms should be equal
0.6 m

❶ σ 𝐹𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = 0
1
Resultant = ∙ 𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 ∙ 𝐵′ ∙ 𝐿
2
B′=3x0.6 = 1.8 m 1
2500 kN = ∙ 𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 ∙ 1.8 ∙ 3
2
𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 926 𝑘𝑃𝑎
qmax
Page 98 of CE366 Lecture Notes

L=6 m
Since the question did not say "ignore the weight of the foundation, weight of
the column, weight of the soil" we should consider these weights in our
calcuations
Page 98 of CE366 Lecture Notes

L=6 m (“is this distance 4 m, or 6 m?” it should have

been written on the figure)

All 3 footings are identical

Page 98 of CE366 Lecture Notes
𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆 𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝟔∙𝟏.𝟐
qmax= ∙ (1 + ) qmax= ∙ 1+ = 458.3 kPa
𝑩∙𝑳 𝑳 𝟒∙𝟔 𝟔

𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆
qmin= ∙ (1 − ) qmin= 𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝟒∙𝟔
∙ 1−
𝟔∙𝟏.𝟐
𝟔
= −41.7 kPa
𝑩∙𝑳 𝑳
Negative base pressure is not allowed. Let’s use Modified Stress
Distribution with L’ and determine L’ and qmax =? and qmin = 0

❶ σ 𝐹𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = 0
1
Resultant = ∙ 𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 ∙ 𝐵′ ∙ 𝐿
2
1
Resultant = ∙ 𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 ∙ 𝐿′ ∙ 𝐵
2
1
5000 kN = ∙ 𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 ∙ 5.4 ∙ 4
2
𝐵 𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 463 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝐵′ = 3 ∙ ( − 𝑒)
2
𝑳
≤ 500 kPa OK
L′ = 3 ∙ ( − 𝒆)=5.4 m
𝟐
Page 98 of CE366 Lecture Notes

This is extra information for CE366

(we didn’t teach “foundations on rock” in CE366)

0.9 1.8 m Eccentricity, e = 0.9 m

L’ / 6 = 5.4 m / 6 = 0.9 m
L′=5.4 m Eccentricity is at the limit, it will
generate triangular stress distribution,
and it is within acceptable limit (for
qmax = 463 kPa soils)
 Two-way eccentricity
Footings that are subjected to moments about both axes
①
Point of application of resultant

Top e1 e
B 2
view ② ②

Point C
L ①
e1 e2
Point C Point C

L B

ΣM1 ΣM2
σ 𝑴𝟏 ΣQ Point C Point C ΣQ σ 𝑴𝟐
e1 = σ e2 = σ
𝑸 𝑸
L B
 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑀1−1 ∙𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒_𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚_𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠11 𝑀2−2 ∙𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒_𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚_𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠22
q= ± ±
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐼1−1𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 𝐼2−2𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠

Σ𝑄 6∙𝑒1 6∙𝑒2
qmax= ∙ (1 + + )
𝐵∙𝐿 𝐿 𝐵
Σ𝑄 6∙𝑒1 6∙𝑒2
qmin= ∙ (1 − − )
𝐵∙𝐿 𝐿 𝐵

For qmin = 0
𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆𝟏 𝟔∙𝒆𝟐
qmin= ∙ 1− − =𝟎
𝑩∙𝑳 𝑳 𝑩
𝟔 ∙ 𝒆𝟏 𝟔 ∙ 𝒆𝟐
+ =𝟏
𝑳 𝑩
2∙𝚺𝑸
qmax =
𝐵∙𝐿
 ①
Point of application of resultant
Point D
e1 e ②
Top B 2
view ② ②
L ΣM2
Point C
L
① Point C
② B
Determine the soil pressure under each corner Decide on the positive
and negative signs by
𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆𝟏 𝟔∙𝒆𝟐
qat point C = ∙ (1 + − ) considering:
𝑩∙𝑳 𝑳 𝑩 - Where the point is
located relative to the
𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆𝟏 𝟔∙𝒆𝟐 central axes, and
qat point D = ∙ (1 − + ) - Where the resultant is
𝑩∙𝑳 𝑳 𝑩
acting as compared to
the central axes
Page 107 of CE366 Lecture Notes

Determine the soil

pressure under
each corner
Page 108 of CE366 Lecture Notes You are not responsible from p.108

Modified stress distribution

( B’ x L’ ) in two-way eccentricity
Page 108 of CE366 Lecture Notes You are not responsible from p.108
Combined Footing
Supports more than one column

M2 M3
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

L/2 L/2
L
• Locate the centroid
• Locate the point of application of resultant
• Find eccentricity, e
Combined Footing
M2 M3
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

d2 d3

d1 d4
L/2 L/2
L
Resultant = Q1+Q2+Q3+Q4 (if we “ignore the weight of foundation”, it is
not included in the resultant vertical force)

Locate the point of application of resultant. Let’s take

moment about centerline
Q1·d1+ Q2·d2 – Q3·d3 – Q4·d4 +M3-M2 = Resultant · e
(+)
(You could take moment about left edge, or right edge etc)
Combined Footing e RESULTANT
M2 M3
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

d2 d3

d1 d4
L/2 L/2
L
𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆
qmax= ∙ (1 + )
𝑩∙𝑳 𝑳

𝚺𝑸 𝟔∙𝒆
qmin= ∙ (1 − )
𝑩∙𝑳 𝑳 Then, calculate moments and shears,
assuming that the column loads are
support reaction
Page 101 of CE366 Lecture Notes

Figure 5.5c Moments and shears in a combined footing analyzed by rigid method
Page 101 of CE366 Lecture Notes

Figure 5.5c Moments and shears in a combined footing analyzed by rigid method
Page 101 of CE366 Lecture Notes

Figure 5.5c Moments and shears in a combined footing analyzed by rigid method
If eccentricity, e > B/6 We will get negative base pressure.
• We can extend the footing to the
e right by (2e) distance, so that, in
a foundation having length of
(L+2e), now the resultant acts at
centroid and we will get uniform
L
base pressure.
• Or, if for some reason, we cannot extend the footing,
then we can change the foundation shape to
trapezoidal shape

B1 B2 Top
view

L
Trapezoid Foundation
Determine B1 and B2 such that resultant acts at the centroid of
the trapezoidal foundation, i.e. pressure distribution underneath
will be uniform. Also make it equal to allowable soil pressure
Center of gravity
Top and Point of application
view B1 B2 of resultant

L
Point of application of resultant

side
view
𝚺𝑸
q= = qallowable
𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂
 Center of gravity
Top and Point of application
view B1 B2 of resultant
x
L
Point of application of resultant

side
view
𝚺𝑸
q= = qallowable
𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂
(Pressure soil can
carry safely)
❶ σ 𝐹𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = 0
Resultant, 𝚺𝑸 = 𝑞𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 ∙ 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
(𝐵1 + 𝐵2 )
∙L
2
 Equation for the centroid of trapezoid

cx =

cy =

Top L (𝐵2 + 2 ∙ 𝐵1 )
view B1 B2 x= ∙
x 3 (𝐵1 + 𝐵2 )

(If we don’t have the equation for the centroid, B1 B2

we can obtain it by taking area moments or two x
triangles about left or right edge and equating it
to area moment of trapezoid, and find x.) L
 L (𝐵2 + 2 ∙ 𝐵1 )
x= ∙
3 (𝐵1 + 𝐵2 )
B1 and B2 are unknown.
So we need to have x , from another way, then we will use
the equation above as one of the equations to solve for B1
and B2

Top
view B1 B2
x
L ❷ σ 𝑀𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑖𝑑 = 0
Find x
side
view
❶ σ 𝐹𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = 0
Resultant, 𝚺𝑸 = 𝑞𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 ∙ 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
(𝐵1 + 𝐵2 )
∙L
2

❷ σ 𝑀𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑖𝑑 = 0 L (𝐵2 + 2 ∙ 𝐵1 )

x= ∙
Find x 3 (𝐵1 + 𝐵2 )

2 equations,
2 unknowns: B1 and B2
Solve for B1 and B2
Page 99 of CE366 Lecture Notes

Figure 5.5a Uniform soil pressure beneath a trapezoidal footing

Page 100 of CE366 Lecture Notes
Page 100 of CE366 Lecture Notes
❶ σ 𝐹𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = 0
❷ σ 𝑀𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑖𝑑 = 0

❶ σ 𝐹𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = 0

300
kPa
Page 100 of CE366 Lecture Notes
❷ σ 𝑀𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑖𝑑 = 0

xc

(You may prefer taking moment about left edge or the right edge of foundation)
(If you do that way, do not forget the moment of weight of footing and the
moment of uniform base pressure about left or right edge.)
Page 100 of CE366 Lecture Notes

Top L (𝐵2 + 2 ∙ 𝐵1 )
view B1 B2 𝑥𝑐 = ∙
xc 3 (𝐵1 + 𝐵2 )

L
Example:

(in Recitation 4, Problem 4, there is a foundation located below ground surface, so there is
soil on the foundation. You may study that example.)
 ෍ 𝑄 = 8500 𝑘𝑁

𝐵1 + 𝐵2
𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 14 + 0.3 ∗ 1 ∗ ∗ 24 = 171.6 ∗ (𝐵1 + 𝐵2 )
2
𝐵1 + 𝐵2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 14 + 0.3 ∗ = 7.15 ∗ (𝐵1 + 𝐵2 )
2
𝐵𝑦 𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 ෍ 𝐹𝑣 = 0

8500 + 171.6 ∗ 𝐵1 + 𝐵2 = 7.15 ∗ 𝐵1 + 𝐵2 ∗ 200

𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒗𝒆; 𝑩𝟏 + 𝑩𝟐 = 𝟔. 𝟕𝟓 𝒎 … … … … (𝟏)

𝐵𝑦 𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 ෍ 𝑀 = 0 (𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑖𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒)

2000 14 − 𝑥 − 2500 + 1500 10 − 𝑥 − 1500 − 1000 𝑥 − 6 + 1600 − 4000 𝑥 − 2

− 1200 + 𝑤𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑡𝑔 ∗ 0 = 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 ∗ 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑡𝑔 ∗ 0

𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑥 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠 −→ 𝑥 ≅ 6.3 𝑚

1 2𝐵1 + 𝐵2
𝑥 = ∗𝐿∗ = 6.3 𝑚
3 𝐵1 + 𝐵2
𝟐. 𝟏𝟐𝟓𝑩𝟏 = 𝑩𝟐 … … … … (𝟐)

𝐵𝑦 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑞𝑢1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐸𝑞𝑢2 → 𝑩𝟏 = 𝟐. 𝟏𝟔 𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝟐 = 𝟒. 𝟓𝟗 𝒎

Page 99 of CE366 Lecture Notes Trapezoidal stress distribution beneath a
trapezoidal-shaped foundation

Figure 5.5b Soil pressure distribution beneath a trapezoidal footing loaded eccentrically
Cantilever
footing
Too much
eccentricity
for the
exterior single
footing.

So connect
the exterior
footing to the
inner footing
by a strap
beam
Top
view
Why don’t we just move the exterior column a little bit inside so that
we get rid of eccentricity?
Page 102 of CE366 Lecture Notes

We will determine the

dimensions of both the
outer and inner footings,

With the condition that

uniform base pressure
will develop underneath
both footings, and that
uniform base pressure
will be equal to
allowable soil pressure.

Figure 5.6 Cantilever footing

• Moment due to high eccentricity of exterior footing is
balanced by combining the exterior footing to the interior
footing by a strap beam (bağ kiriş in Turkish)

• Void space must be provided underneath the strap

beam not to have soil reaction

• For uniform pressure distribution to develop underneath

both footings, the resultant force must act at the centroid
of 2 footing areas.
B1 Locate point of
application of the
resultant of all
forces and moments

Assume B1 and
locate R1
σ 𝑀𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑅2 = 0
find R1
σ 𝐹𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = 0
find R2
Page 103 of CE366 Lecture Notes
 Take moment about Q2 and locate where Resultant acts

After locating the resultant, we do not use Q1 and Q2 forces anymore

Take moment about R2 and determine R1
0.4

1
7.4 Take moment about R2 and determine R1

R1 x 7.4 m = 4000 x 3
R1 = 1620 kN
0.4

1
7.4
Example:

Top
view
Two-way eccentricity on Unsymmetrical Footing
① Point of application of resultant

Top B e1 e
2
②
view ②
Point C
L
Centroid of the unsymmetrical shape
①
• Calculate the area of the unsymmetrical shape
• Determine the centroid location of the unsym. shape by taking area
moments (e.g. about the left edge, and the bottom edge)
• Locate the point of application of resultant
• Determine eccentricities, e1 and e2
• Find moment of inertia of the foundation about its central axes, I1-1 and I2-2

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑀1−1 ∙(𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒−𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚−𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠1−1) (𝑀 )∙(𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒−𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚−𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠1−1)

q= ± ± 2−2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐼1−1𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 𝐼2−2𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
Example:

Top
view
Find the location of the centroid of the foundation: Centroid will be located
on this axis, because
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 3 ∗ 7 + 3 ∗ 1 = 24 𝑚2 the shape is symmetric
about this axis.

𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑒 =

= 3 ∗ 1 ∗ 3.5 + 3 ∗ 7 ∗ 1.5 = 42 𝑚2 . 𝑚
= 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑒 = 24 · x2 x2
42
𝑥2 = = 1.75 𝑚
24
Find the location of the centroid of the foundation: Centroid will be located
on this axis, because
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 3 ∗ 7 + 3 ∗ 1 = 24 𝑚2 the shape is symmetric
about this axis.

𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑒 =

= 3 ∗ 1 ∗ 3.5 + 3 ∗ 7 ∗ 1.5 = 42 𝑚2 . 𝑚
= 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑒 = 24 · x2 x2 x1
42
𝑥2 = = 1.75 𝑚
24

Find the point of application of resultant force :

(consider moment of all forces about the bottom edge):
3 ∗ 100 ∗ 1 + 300 ∗ 3.5 = 1350 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚
= moment of the resultant vertical force about the bottom edge = 600 · x1
1350
𝑥1 = = 2.25 𝑚
600
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑛, 𝒆𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚: 𝒆 = 2.25 − 1.75 = 0.5 𝑚 See the figure on
the next page
0.5

x1
x2
 𝑀 = ෍ 𝑉 ∗ 𝑒 = 600 ∗ 0.5 = 300 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚

1 3
1 1
𝐼𝑥2 = ∗ 7 ∗ 1.75 + 2 ∗ ∗ 2 ∗ 1.25 + ∗ 3 ∗ 2.253
3
3 3 3

= 12.5 + 2.6 + 11.39 = 26.5 𝑚4

σ𝑉 𝑀∗𝑦 600 300

𝜎𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝑨 = + = + ∗ 2.25 = 25 + 25.47 ≅ 50.5 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝐴 𝐼 24 26.5

σ𝑉 𝑀∗𝑦 600 300

𝜎𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝑩 = − = − ∗ 1.75 = 25 − 19.8 ≅ 5.2 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝐴 𝐼 24 26.5
Reminder: Parallel Axes Theorem

The moment of inertia of any shape, with respect to an arbitrary,

non centroidal axis, can be found if its moment of inertia with
respect to a centroidal axis, parallel to the first one, is known.

I’ = I + A · d2
where I' is the moment of inertia with respect to an arbitrary axis, I
the moment of inertia with respect to a centroidal axis, parallel to
the first one, d the distance between the two parallel axes and A the
area of the shape

Study: Recitation 4, Problem 3.

Page 106 of CE366 Lecture Notes
Page 106 of CE366 Lecture Notes

1 3 2
1
𝐼1−1 = ∗ 8 ∗ 6 + 6 ∗ 8 ∗ 0.22 − ∗ 3 ∗ 1.53 + 3 ∗ 1.5 ∗ 2.472 = 118 𝑚4
12 2 12
A·d
3 ∗ 1.5 ∗ 2.252 + 3 ∗ 1.5 ∗ 0.222