In flexible footings pressure is uniform. In rigid footings settlement is uniform. Contact pressure distribution of Rigid footing over cohesive soil: For rigid footings, the settlement has to be uniform over the contact area. Since, a flexible footing produces a dish shaped pattern in clay soil; the contact pressure must be more near the edge of the loaded area and less near centre, in order to produce a uniform settlement. Contact pressure distribution of rigid footing over granular soil: For a rigid footing, where the settlement has to be uniform, the contact pressure is more near the centre then near the edges.