Applies To
	Product(s):	STAAD Advanced Concrete Design
	Version(s):	Connect Edition
	Environment:
	Area:	Concrete Design
	Subarea:	Footing Design
	Original Author:	Bentley Technical Support Group

Question: 

I am designing a footing with loss of contact. Since my footing is having a lesser axial load and more moments, and my soil is good, I can make a size of footing with more LOC. But I have seen this page in the communities where maximum of 50% of LOC is allowed. How this 50% value is determined? Is there any reference that I can go through regarding the maximum limit.

Answer:

50% LOC is the maximum allowed value in RCDC. There are no references available for this value Theoretically, we can go more than 50% LOC. There are no such guidelines available for the maximum % LOC allowed for footing.  if the footing is allowed for LOC for more than 50%. it means that only 50% of the area is in contact with the soil. We presume that the LOC of more than 50% LOC is not a practical case and should not allow for the design of the footing. Thus, we have restricted LOC to 50%. As per our interaction with clients, the recommended LOC they use ranges between 1 to 20%. It is also not recommended to go for higher LOC.