Alternative Methods for Extracting Foundation Loads thru FEA Softwares

[generick]

Hello guys,

My coworker and I had a discussion about alternative methods of extracting loads for our foundation design. My approach was to mesh my model at 1 ft and go through each elevation checking for a max value for each respective load cases. My coworker's approach was to mesh his walls into 1 foot strips so he could select all the joints at the base level and plot it in a table with their respective load cases/combinations. I am just curious if there is a less time-intensive way as to designing foundations with loads taken from ETABS or any FEA software, how do you guys do yours?

Thanks

 

[Brad805]

Is there a reason not to use section cut forces? One can easily create envelope load cases and let the software integrate the forces.