Abstract:A proper layout of precast beam pedestals can effectively reduce the soft ground differential settlement in construction of the precast beam pedestal field on the soft ground section. The finite element software Midas/GTS was adopted to create a three-dimension calculation model for analysis of the influence of the different precast beam pedestal on the soft ground differential settlement. Results show that when the beam pedestals are arranged in the lengthwise direction, the middle one’s total settlement and the maximum differential settlement over each 2m length is greater than the outside ones, with the maximum differential settlement over 2m length larger than that in the widthwise arrangement; thus it is recommended to employ the widthwise arrangement. When the spread foundation is adopted, the overall settlement of the pedestal is significantly reduced from that in the shallow foundation, with the maximum settlement reduced from 11.6mm to 8.5mm, and the differential settlement over each 2m length of the pedestal reduced from 0.41mm to 0.12mm. It is recommended to use the spread foundation in priority.