Structures E2/S2

Example Sheet D5 – Foundations

In all Examples on this sheet, the following data should be used:

Concrete Grade C25/30

Steel design strength 500 N/mm2
Cover 50 mm
Safe Ground Bearing Pressure 125 kN/m2

1. A pad foundation is required to carry a 300 x 300 column supporting the following
(unfactored)axial loads. Design the foundation.
Permanent Load (Gk) = 300 kN
Imposed Load (Qk) = 200 kNm

Ans: Area required = 4.48m2 = 2.2m x 2.2m

Mass concrete option requires minimum depth of 0.95 m.

Reinforced option could use depth of 0.5m, As = 369mm2/m (each way)

2. A pad foundation is required to carry a 400 x 400 column supporting the following
(unfactored)axial loads. Design the foundation.
Permanent Load (Gk) = 500 kN
Imposed Load (Qk) = 300 kNm

Ans: Area required = 7.12m2 = 2.7m x 2.7m

Mass concrete option requires minimum depth of 1.15 m.

Reinforced option could use depth of 0.5m, As = 593mm2/ m (each way)

3. A pad foundation is required to carry a 400 x 400 column supporting the following
(unfactored) loads. Assuming the column is central on the foundation, design a
square foundation.

Axial Load (kN) Bending Moment (kNm)

Permanent Load (Gk) 300 100
Imposed Load (Qk) 200 50
 Ans: Area required = 2.7m x 2.7m

Mass concrete option requires minimum depth of 1.15 m.

Reinforced option could use depth of 0.5m, As = 482mm2/ m (each way)

4. A pad foundation is required to carry a 300 x 300 column supporting the following
(unfactored) loads. Assuming the column is central on the foundation, design a
square foundation. (Note the load is outside the middle third)

Axial Load (kN) Bending Moment (kNm)

Permanent Load (Gk) 200 150
Imposed Load (Qk) 180 100

Ans: Area required = 2.81m x 2.81m

Mass concrete option requires minimum depth of 1.26 m.

Reinforced option could use depth of 0.5m, As = 473mm2/ m (each way)

5. A pad foundation is required to carry a 350 x 350 column supporting the following
(unfactored) loads. Assuming the column is central on the foundation, design a
square foundation.

Axial Load (kN) Bending Moment (kNm)

Permanent Load (Gk) 300 150
Imposed Load (Qk) 150 150

Ans: Area required = 3.0m x 3.0m

Mass concrete option requires minimum depth of 1.33 m.

Reinforced option could use depth of 0.5m, As = 553mm2/ m (each way)