Conclusion

Calculating the resistance of articulated column feet in accordance with Eurocode 3 remains fairly similar to the methods used in France to date (Lescouarc'h guide on articulated column feet), and the justification of the articulation hypothesis is strictly identical. It should be noted that the PotArtX software, available on the CTICM website, can be used to calculate articulated column feet.

On the other hand, the calculation of column feet embedded in a base plate according to Eurocode 3 is more delicate. Applying the component method to the strength calculation poses no problem, but justifying the embedding assumption by calculating the initial rotational stiffness is rather difficult with current constructional arrangements. Many so-called "embedded" column feet are in fact semi-rigid. Modelling a rigid column foot as semi-rigid tends to increase the moment...