5.3 Assumption used in footing design Theory of elasticity analysis and observations indicate that the stress distribution beneath symmetrically loaded footing is not uniform. ■ The actual stress distribution depends on both footing rigidity and base soil. The pressure distribution beneath most footings will be rather indeterminate because of the interaction of the footing rigidity with the soil type,state,and time response to stress. ◆ For this reason it is common practice to use the linear pressure distribution beneath spread footings.5.3 Assumption used in footing design ▪ Theory of elasticity analysis and observations indicate that the stress distribution beneath symmetrically loaded footing is not uniform. ▪ The actual stress distribution depends on both footing rigidity and base soil. ▪ The pressure distribution beneath most footings will be rather indeterminate because of the interaction of the footing rigidity with the soil type, state, and time response to stress. ▪ For this reason it is common practice to use the linear pressure distribution beneath spread footings