Abstract
This paper is the first report in a series of studies on stress analysis of square column footings under vertical load by three dimensional finite element method. In this paper, we describe the results of the preliminary analysis which have been done to examine the way to analyze column footings and the factors that have the effect on the reaults of elastic finite element analysis of square column footings. As the results, the following items are clarified : a) The results obtained by the analysis in which the shape of column is considered are more proper than those obtained by the analysis in which the shape of column is not considered. b) In regard to the average values of stresses or unit stresses good results can be obtained, even if the size of finite element mesh is relatively large. c) It is necessary to consider the soil stiffness of the vicinity of column footing when the column footing is analyzed on the theory of coefficient of subgrade reaction. d) The reinforcing bars in footing slab have little effects upon the results obtained by elastic finite element analysis.
