ABSTRACT
An axisymmetric problem is a three-dimensional problem that can be solved using a two-dimensional model provided that it posses a symmetry of revolution in both geometry, material properties and loading, and it can lend itself to a cylindrical coordinate. The circular footing on a semi-infinite soil mass shown in Figure 10.1 is a typical example of a three-dimensional problem that can be classified as axisymmetric. The only displacements required to define its behavior are the ones in the r and z directions, denoted by u and v, respectively. They are not a function of θ.
