Effect of Spread Footing Flexibility on Structural Response

Abstract

Spread footings are normally used under individual columns of buildings and bridge piers. They are economical to use and are applicable for any soil conditions where the bearing capacity for the applied loads is adequate. Structural design codes and specifications allow a linear soil pressure distribution to be assumed for the design of spread footings. This approach is valid for infinitely rigid footings. Past experience has shown that the assumption of a linear pressure distribution is satisfactory for most footings; however, there are some cases in which a shallow foundation must be analyzed as a flexible structure, particularly if the footing is excessively long/wide and thin. In this study, a relative stiffness factor,