For thick and rigid footings, the pressure distribution under the footings is normally assumed to be linear. If uniform and symmetrical loadings are exerted on the footings, the bearing pressure is uniformly distributed. However, if unsymmetrical loads are encountered, then a trapezoidal shape of bearing reaction would result.
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For flexible footings on weak and compressible soils, the bearing pressures under footing would not be linear. As such, a detailed investigation of soil pressures is required in order to determine the bending moment and shear forces of the structure.
This question is taken from book named – A Self Learning Manual – Mastering Different Fields of Civil Engineering Works (VC-Q-A-Method) by Vincent T. H. CHU.
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