Typically L2 should not be less than L1. If it is there are equations to predict the actual bearing stress. When e is inside the middle third of the footing (e=1/6L),an increase in e leads to a coresponding increase in q. Once e is outside the middle third, an increase in e results in a reduction of bearing area that results in a significantly larger increase in q. If q causes settlement, e could increase farther, causing higher q and mor settlemnt. Therfore it is generally desirable to keep L2= L1