a

e
Let the load be W & Moment be M
Soil Pressure p= W/A [+ or -] M/Z
B
For no tension in the soil W/A [>or = ]M/Z
Therefore e= M/P.

L/2

L/2

Now if W/A = M/Z, minimum pressure is zero.

Then 3a= L.This will happen only if e =L/6.
If e= greater than L/6, then M/Z will be greater than
W/A and contact length will be less than L

Therefore pressure on soil will be 2W/3a*B

p
3a
Contact Length of Footing with Soil=3a