Volume-14 Issue-10, September 2026
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Abstract
Foundations are important in structural engineering, as they transfer loads to the ground. Designing combined footings on uneven ground is challenging because of load eccentricity, soil heterogeneity, and material efficiency. Traditional methods, based on oversimplified soil-pressure assumptions, fail. This paper introduces a new model for optimal multigonal corner combined footing design that minimises size while adapting to varying loads and soil strengths. The model allows flexible footing slopes (90° to 0°) to position the load and geometric centres, ensuring uniform stress distribution and preventing eccentric loading. Optimised in Python for numerical accuracy and in Maple for symbolic calculation, the model is validated through numerical analysis and shows significant improvements in material efficiency and cost savings compared with traditional practices. The result is better footing regions, with lower b1 and b2 in end columns and greater n and m, which improves stress distribution and reduces load eccentricity. The model is recommended for designing corner combined footings with four continuous lines of property. Practical recommendations and future research on smaller dimensions and column-spacing effects on footing design conclude the paper.
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