From reactions to a calculation report

A foundation goes from loads to a report in six steps. The calculation is the same one whether you are sizing, checking or printing.

1. Set up the project

   Choose the design code, materials, soil parameters and project settings. A foundation can override any project setting for itself.

2. Give the loads

   Either enter load cases and a combination factor matrix, or bring in combinations the structural analysis has already applied, for example support reactions from STAAD.Pro. The two are never mixed in one foundation.

3. Describe the foundation

   Geometry, piers, piles or strap, and where it is built. A foundation can be placed at several locations, each with its own reactions.

4. Calculate

   Geometry, self weight, load resultants, bearing, stability, footing design and pier design, in that order. If the footing must deepen for shear, its added weight goes back through the bearing and stability checks, and the calculation repeats until it settles.

5. Read the results

   Every check shows its governing combination. Anything the engine could not design says NOT DESIGNED instead of showing a number. Change an input afterwards and the results are marked stale until you calculate again.

6. Report

   Open the report at summary, standard or full depth. The full report shows each formula with the engine’s numbers in it, so a reviewer can follow every step.

Then a qualified engineer checks it. See the disclaimer.