Analysis of Isolated Footings by FDM Program GEO Tools

Different calculation methods are known in the literature for the calculation of shallow foundations. The early one assumes a uniform contact pressure distribution under shallow foundations. This assumption is too far from the reality. Winkler (1867) and Zimmermann (1930) developed the modulus of subgrade method. In this method, the subsoil is simulated by isolated springs. The settlement of the spring is only dependent on the loading at the same point on the subsoil surface at the spring location. This also applies to possible refinements with springs of different stiffness.