{"id":33350,"date":"2026-04-27T12:49:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T12:49:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/protasoftware.com\/technical-manuals\/foundation-modelling-and-design\/pad-footing\/"},"modified":"2026-06-19T12:37:47","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T12:37:47","slug":"pad-footing","status":"publish","type":"wiki","link":"https:\/\/protasoftware.com\/wiki\/pad-footing\/","title":{"rendered":"Pad Footing"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>\n
Before defining a Pad Footing:<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
    \n
  1. The building model must be completed and analysed, so that the column axial loads and moments are determined.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
  2. The foundation storey 0 (ST: 0) must be set as the current storey.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    In order to determine concrete and steel grades that will be used in the Pad Footing Design, you may go to <\/span>Building Setout<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/i> <\/b><\/span> <\/b>tab > <\/span><\/span>Material<\/i><\/a><\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/i><\/b><\/span> <\/b>> select <\/span><\/span>Foundation Floor<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/i> <\/b><\/span> at the left hand list > select and edit concrete grade, rebar and\/or soil at the right hand field.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

    <\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n

    <\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n
    Review the Pad Footing analysis & design settings in the Settings Center ><\/span> Foundations Design Settings <\/a>> General<\/b> dialog. <\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    Pad Footing Insertion<\/span>
    <\/span><\/h1>\n
    <\/span>
    <\/span><\/div>\n
    To define a new pad footing:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
      \n
    1. Select and right click column(s) to<\/span><\/span> Insert Pad Footing<\/span><\/span><\/b> at storey 0 via shortcut menu.
      <\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
    2. More than one column may be selected. In that case, the <\/span><\/span>Pad Footing Batch Design <\/span><\/span><\/b>dialog will appear, showing the selected column & corresponding pad footings in a table format (refer section below for details).<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
    3. If a single column is selected, the individual <\/span><\/span>Pad Footing<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/i> Properties<\/span><\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/span><\/b>dialog will be displayed. Check the parameters in this dialog and press <\/span><\/span>Design<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/i> button to automatically design the footing.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
    4. Desired footing size can be adjusted using <\/span><\/span>Lx<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/i> <\/span><\/span><\/b>and <\/span><\/span>L<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/b>y<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/i> <\/span><\/span><\/b>fields as well as other properties.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
    5. Press <\/span><\/span>OK<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/i> <\/span><\/span><\/b>button to close <\/span><\/span>Pad Footing<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/i> <\/span><\/span><\/b>results dialog.<\/span>
      <\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      <\/span><\/div>\n
      After completing the design of the pad footing, press the <\/span><\/span>OK<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/i> button to complete the insertion of the footing.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

      Insert Combined Pad Footing<\/span><\/span><\/b>
      <\/span><\/h1>\n

      <\/span>
      <\/span>To create combined Pad Footing:<\/span><\/span><\/span>
      <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Hold<\/span><\/span><\/span> CTRL<\/span><\/b> and click on columns to multi select the column stumps.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
      2. Right-click to display the shortcut menu and select <\/span><\/span>Insert Combined Pad Footing<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/i> <\/span> option.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
      3. The <\/span><\/span>Pad Footing<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/i> properties dialog will be displayed. The columns will be combined into a single enlarged stump.<\/span><\/span>
        <\/span><\/li>\n
      4. Manually adjust the parameters and check the result below or press <\/span><\/span>Design<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/b> button to automatically design the combined pad footing.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
      5. The pad footing will be designed for the combined loads from the column stumps in the group.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
        \n
        \n
        <\/p>\n
        \"Alert\"<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
        Combined Pad Footing is only suitable for a few columns very close to each; (example, less than 1m apart) as selected columns will be combined into a single stump & rigid footing is assumed. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
        If the columns are far apart, the analysis & design will be unreasonable. For example, the current footing only designs for bottom bars (for sagging moment) and not top bars (for hogging moment, which may be present if columns are far apart). <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
        For situation where there are 2 or more columns in a straight line, you many consider Strip Footing<\/u><\/a><\/b>, in which foundation beams must be modeled connecting to columns which in turn will be supported by footing. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
        For more complicated arrangement of numerous columns that are far apart, we recommend you use <\/span><\/span>FE Raft Foundation<\/span><\/span><\/b>. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
        Combined Pad Footing is <\/span><\/span>not suitable for shear walls <\/span><\/span><\/u>due to same similar stated reasons; please use <\/span><\/span>FE Raft Foundation<\/span><\/span><\/b>.  Refer to this article<\/span><\/span> : <\/span>FE Raft Foundation Overview<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

        <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        Editing an Existing Pad Footing<\/span><\/span><\/b>
        <\/span><\/h1>\n

        In order to edit an existing pad footing:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Select an existing pad footing.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
        2. Right-click to select <\/span><\/span>Properties<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/i> from the menu.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
        3. Modify or auto-design the pad footing<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
        4. Press the <\/span><\/span>OK<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/i> button in the <\/span><\/span>Pad Footing<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i>properties<\/span><\/span> dialog to update the model.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
          <\/p>\n
          \"Info\"<\/span><\/div>\n
          <\/span>You can repeat this process to as many members as you wish. One member at a time can be edited by this method.<\/span>
          <\/span><\/div>\n

          <\/span><\/div>\n

          Pad Footing Properties<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n
          The <\/span><\/span>Pad Footing Properties<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/i> dialog will be loaded when the <\/span><\/span>Insert Pad Footing<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/i> option is selected or when<\/span><\/span><\/span> selecting an existing pad footing by right-clicking and choosing the <\/span><\/span>Properties<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/i> <\/b> option in the shortcut menu.<\/span><\/span>
          <\/span><\/div>\n
            \n
          1. There are 3 main category in this dialog named <\/span><\/span>Geometry<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/i>, <\/span><\/span>Analysis<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Rebars<\/b><\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
          2. You can click <\/span><\/span>Design<\/b><\/span><\/i> to auto design the pad footing.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
          3. You can use the <\/span><\/span>Generate Report<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/i> button to view and transfer the pad footing design output of the current footing to document.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
          4. Press C<\/b><\/span><\/span>ancel<\/b><\/span><\/i> <\/b>if you wish abort the changes to footing.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Geometry Category<\/span><\/span><\/b>
            <\/span><\/h2>\n

            Geometry tab<\/span><\/h3>\n
            The <\/span><\/span>Geometry<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/i> tab page comprises the pad footing dimension parameters such as Pad Footing Geometry, Column Dimensions, Pad Footing Eccentricity and Design Status and Result.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
            <\/div>\n
            <\/span><\/span><\/span>
            <\/span><\/div>\n

            <\/span><\/div>\n
            When changes to made in the dimension parameters, you will find changes in 2D and 3D view instantly.<\/span><\/span><\/span>
            <\/span><\/div>\n
            Pad Footing Geometry and Eccentricity parameter can be adjusted based on below snapshot as a guideline:<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
            <\/div>\n
            \n

            <\/span><\/div>\n
              \n
            1. Footing Label<\/span><\/span><\/u> : <\/span><\/span><\/b>You can enter the label associated with the footing in this field. By default, a footing label associated with the column label will be generated. For example, \u201cF1\u201d will be generated if a footing for column \u201c1C1\u201d is to be created.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
            2. Footing Depth<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/u> : <\/span><\/b>\u201cFooting Depth\u201d is the depth of the footing.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
            3. Footing Taper Height<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/u> <\/span><\/span><\/b>:<\/span><\/b> \u201cFooting Taper Height\u201d is defined as the height of taper occurs from the footing surface to the column surface.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
            4. Concrete Cover<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/u> :<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/span>You cannot enter any value to this field. To modify the value in this field, first select \u201cGraphic Editor Settings\u201d menu option under \u201cSettings\u201d pulldown.  Thereupon, select the \u201c<\/span><\/span>Design<\/span><\/span><\/i>\u201d tab page in \u201c<\/span><\/span>Foundations<\/span><\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/span>Settings<\/span><\/span><\/i>\u201d form. Enter new concrete cover value used in the design of pile caps to the \u201c<\/span><\/span>Pad Footings \u2013 Concrete Cover<\/span><\/span><\/i>\u201d field. Note that, concrete cover is measured from outer edge of the section to the center of the steel bar.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
            5. Lx & Ly<\/span><\/span><\/u> : <\/span><\/span><\/b>Lx represents the length in X-axis and Ly represents the length in Y-axis for footing.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
            6. Eccentricity X \/ Eccentricity Y<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/u> :<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/span>Eccentricity defined as the distance between center of gravity of footing in direction X or Y.
              <\/span><\/span><\/span>
              Alternatively, user may select the eccentricity of column based on the 9 given selection as show in above snapshot. Black box representing the column location.<\/span><\/li>\n
            7. Column Dimensions (b1 & b2)<\/span><\/span><\/u> : <\/span><\/span><\/b>In this field, b1 and b2 defined as the column dimension, b1 is the x-axis length and b2 is the y-axis length. The field is for preview purpose and only editable in column properties.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n
              \n
              \n
              For non squarish or non rectangular columns, it will be converted to equivalent square or rectangle stump, based on the global plan dimensions, as shown below : <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
              \n
                <\/ol>\n

                Pedestal tab (only visible for PS2025 or earlier version)<\/span>
                <\/h3>\n
                \n
                \"Notes\"<\/p>\n
                For PS2026 and later version, pedestal must be inserted in the main model first, if desired. Kindly refer to this article :<\/span>  RC Pedestals<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

                <\/span><\/div>\n

                <\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

                The <\/span><\/span>Pedestal<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/i> <\/b> tab page comprises the pedestal and shear key dimension parameters.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
                <\/div>\n
                <\/span><\/span> <\/div>\n
                  \n
                1. Pedestal Lx\/Ly<\/span><\/span><\/u> : <\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span>Lx represents the length in X-axis and Ly represents the length in Y-axis for pedestal.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
                2. Shear Key<\/u><\/b><\/span><\/span> Bx\/By<\/span><\/span><\/u> : <\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span>Lx represents the length in X-axis and Ly represents the length in Y-axis for shearkey.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                  <\/div>\n

                  Analysis Category<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span>
                  <\/span><\/h2>\n

                  Materials tab<\/span><\/span><\/b>
                  <\/span><\/h3>\n
                  The <\/span>Materials<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/i>  tab page displays materials settings such as concrete grade, rebar grade, diameter and soil properties for the selected footing.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
                  <\/div>\n
                  \n
                  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
                  \n
                    \n
                  1. Materials<\/span><\/span><\/u> (section) : <\/span><\/span><\/b>This section is the same as the foundation setting in "Materials" setting (in Building Setout tab). You may adjust the value (concrete grade, rebar size and grade) in this section and this changes apply to the selected individual pad footing only.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
                  2. Soil Unit Weight<\/b><\/span><\/u> : Enter the unit weight of the fill material in this field. The volume of surcharge will be calculated and multiplied with the "<\/span>Soil Unit Weight<\/span><\/span><\/i>" to yield the additional axial load due to fill material.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
                  3. Soil Subgrade Coefficient<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/u> :  This value is only applicable when if you run FE Foundation Analysis, i.e. footing can converted to flexible raft foundation assumption.  Else leave it as zero to design footing as rigid assumption. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
                  4. Fill Height<\/b><\/span><\/u> : Fill height is the surcharge height. This value is automatically calculated Fill Height = Foundation Depth<\/u><\/a> – Footing Depth.  Value can be over-written. <\/span><\/li>\n
                  5. Ultimate Stress of Soil<\/b><\/span><\/u> : <\/span> "<\/span>Ultimate Stress of Soil<\/span><\/i>" will be auto-calculated by <\/span><\/span>\u201c<\/span><\/span><\/span>Allowable Stress of Soil<\/span><\/span><\/i>\u201d x "<\/span>Ultimate Strength Factor" <\/span><\/i>value defined in the Foundation Design Setting<\/u><\/a> setting found in "<\/span><\/span><\/span>Center Setting<\/span><\/span><\/i>" tab. Value can be over-written<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n
                    <\/div>\n

                    Options tab<\/span><\/span><\/span>
                    <\/span><\/h3>\n
                    The "Options" tab page displays general setting for rebar detailing such as user defined min. rebar spacing, lean concrete thickness, increment step for depth, size  and bar spacing.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
                    <\/div>\n

                    <\/span><\/div>\n
                    <\/div>\n
                    \n
                      \n
                    1. Rotation Prevented Along X\/Y direction<\/span><\/span><\/u> : <\/span><\/span><\/b>Check this option to prevent rotation along X\/Y direction.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
                    2. Show Top Rebar Outside<\/span><\/span><\/u> : <\/span><\/span><\/b>Check this option to show top rebar outside of the Footing.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                      Column Loads tab<\/span><\/h3>\n
                      <\/div>\n
                      The "<\/span> Column Loads<\/span><\/span><\/i> " tab page displays loading information of the selected column connected on top of this footing. User may define load combination to consider in the "User Defined" under pulldown menu.<\/span><\/span> <\/div>\n

                      <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
                      <\/div>\n
                        \n
                      1. Loading <\/span><\/u>: <\/span><\/b>Choose the column loading either in Load Combination, Envelope or User Defined to design the pad footing.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
                          \n
                        1. Load Combination<\/b> :  The footing will be designed to all the checked Load Combination.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
                        2. Envelope<\/b> : The maximum value of each force, axial \/ moment \/ shear of all the combinations will be used for design. <\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
                        3. User Defined<\/b> :  Manually input forces for design<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                          <\/span><\/div>\n
                        4. Select \/ Unselect All<\/span><\/span><\/u> : <\/span><\/span><\/b>Select or deselect all load combination in the table.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                          \n
                          <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                          Rebars Category<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span>
                          <\/span><\/h2>\n
                          The <\/span><\/span>Rebars<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/i> <\/b> tab page allows user to manually adjust the footing rebar design such as quantity, rebar diameter, spacing and option to bend at end bars. <\/span><\/span>
                          <\/span><\/div>\n
                          <\/div>\n
                          <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
                          <\/span><\/span><\/span>
                          <\/span><\/div>\n
                          When the dialog is closed using \u201c<\/span><\/span>OK<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/i>\u201d button, the footing will be inserted. <\/span><\/span>
                          <\/span><\/div>\n
                          The  Rebar Description are as follows : <\/span><\/span><\/span>
                          <\/span><\/div>\n
                            \n
                          1. Rebar (X & Y)<\/span><\/span><\/u><\/b> :  These are bottom rebars in both direction which are auto-designed based on design moment. <\/span><\/span><\/span>
                            <\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
                          2. <\/span><\/span>Side Bar (X-Dir & Y-Dir) <\/span><\/span><\/u><\/b>:  These are the side bars. They are not designed  & is provided as good practice. 
                            <\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
                          3. Top Rebar (X-Dir & Y-Dir)<\/span><\/span><\/u><\/b> : There are the top rebars in both direction.  They are not designed & is provided as good practice. <\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
                          4. The leftmost check box is to allow user to include or exclude the rebar for the pad footing. <\/span>Bottom Rebar X & Y <\/span><\/b>cannot be excluded from the footing.<\/span><\/span><\/span>
                            <\/span><\/li>\n
                          5. User may adjust the rebar quantity, diameter, spacing and option to bend at end bar in the table (<\/span>Bob<\/span><\/b>).<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n
                          6. For example, user can manually increase the steel bar diameter or decrease the spacing if the steel is reported to be insufficient. The design is automatically re-checked if rebars are changed. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                            \n
                            \n
                            <\/p>\n
                            \"Idea\"<\/div>\n
                            Bob <\/span><\/i><\/b>stands for "Bending of Bars"<\/span><\/div>\n

                            <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                            2D View & 3D View<\/span> 
                            <\/span><\/h2>\n
                            In the pad footing properties, there are 2 tabs showing "2D Views" and "3D View". <\/span><\/span>
                            <\/span><\/div>\n
                            <\/span><\/div>\n
                            By selecting "2D Views" , the plan view and the elevation view of footing (without rebars) will be shown with instant changes when parameter changed. <\/span><\/span>
                            <\/span><\/div>\n
                            By selecting <\/span><\/span> "3D View" will shows the preview of 3D footing with rebars arrangement.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                            Batch Design of Pad Footings
                            <\/span><\/h1>\n
                            \n
                            When multiple vertical members are selected to insert pad footing a batch interface is opened to allow you to design all at once. You can group selected items or import a set of pad footings from CSV or Excel files. Batch reports can be prepared or design can be revised any time from the same interface.<\/span><\/span> <\/div>\n
                            <\/div>\n
                            The <\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span>Pad Footing Batch Design<\/span><\/span><\/b> <\/span> dialog consists of top and bottom panels.<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span>
                            <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
                            <\/span><\/div>\n
                            <\/span>Top Panel is a row of buttons for various functionality as described below :<\/span><\/span>
                            <\/span><\/div>\n
                              \n
                            1. \n
                              Design All <\/span><\/span><\/u>:<\/span><\/span><\/b>  Allows you to design all pad footings automatically<\/span><\/span>  <\/span> <\/div>\n