Volex Labs / Calculations / Pad foundation design to Eurocode 7.

Pad foundation design to Eurocode 7.

Size a pad footing for axial load and moment: Volex computes the bearing pressure distribution (including the eccentric, partially-loaded case), checks it against allowable pressure, and designs the pad reinforcement to EC2 §9.8.2 with minimum steel enforced.

Cases are validated against Bond & Harris, 'Decoding Eurocode 7' — the standard reference for EC7 design — including the awkward moment cases where the classic q = N/A ± 6M/BL² formula stops applying.

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What Volex checks

Validated against the published example

Square pad — axial 1000 kN, q_allow = 150 kPa (2.4×2.4×0.55 m) EC7 §6.5; Bond & Harris 'Decoding Eurocode 7' Ch 6
QuantityPublishedVolexError
q_max124 kPa124 kPa0.01%
As,x minimum (EC2 §9.8.2)1750 mm²1750 mm²0.00%
This case is one of 359 published checks the platform passes — the full table, with every source and every error, is public at volexlabs.com/verification.

Frequently asked

Can it design a pad with moment as well as axial load?
Yes — the module handles moment and eccentricity, including the case where part of the base lifts off and the pressure block is recomputed, validated against Bond & Harris Example 6.3.
Does it design the reinforcement too?
Yes, pad flexural steel to EC2 §9.8.2 with the code minimum enforced — you get bar area per metre in both directions.
Does Volex do piles as well?
Yes — bored and driven pile capacity to EC7 §7 are separate modules, validated against Bond & Harris and the ICE Manual of Geotechnical Engineering.
Is there a free version?
A free account includes 10 calculations a month across all modules. Pro is £29/month for unlimited calculations and PDF output.

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