The footings are so designed and proportioned that the C.G.

of the
superimposed load coincides with the C.G. of the base area, so that the
footing is subjected to concentric loading, resulting in uniform bearing
pressure. However, in some cases, it may not be possible to do so. For
example, if the wall (or column) under construction is near some other
property, it will not be possible to spread the footing to both the sides of the
wall or column. Such a situation is shown in Fig
Let this resultant load have an eccentricity e with respect to the centre of
base width B. This eccentric weight

is equivalent to (i) a centrally placed load W and (ii) bending moment M =

W . e.

Due to these two, a trapezoidal soil pressure diagram, having pressure

intensities q1 and q2 will result.

he magnitude of q1 should not exceed the safe bearing pressure for the soil.
Also in order that the footing may remain in contact with soil, q2 should be
positive (i.e. no tension should be developed). In the extreme case, q2 = 0,
when e = B/6. This gives the maximum value of eccentricity. In that
caseaverage pressure on the foundation. If e is greater than B/6 tension will
be developed, in which case, the end B of the footing will have loose contact
with the soil.

so q1=W/B(1+1)=2W/B