Immediate Settlement Calculator

Applied Pressure (q) kN/m²
Foundation Width (B) m
Elastic Modulus (Es) MPa
Poisson's Ratio (ν) -
Shape Factor (Is) -
Shape factors: Square = 1.12, Strip = 1.0, Circular = 0.85
Theory Behind Immediate Settlement

The immediate settlement (Si) of shallow foundations is calculated using elastic theory:

Si = q × B × Is × (1 – ν²) / Es

Where:

  • q = Applied bearing pressure (kN/m²)
  • B = Foundation width (m)
  • Is = Shape factor (depends on footing type)
  • ν = Poisson's ratio of soil
  • Es = Elastic modulus of soil (MPa)
Shape Factors (Is):
Footing Type Shape Factor
Square 1.12
Strip (Continuous) 1.0
Circular 0.85
Typical Elastic Modulus Values (Es):
Soil Type Es (MPa)
Loose Sand 10-25
Medium Dense Sand 25-50
Dense Sand 50-80
Stiff Clay 15-50
Hard Clay 50-100
Settlement Analysis