![Actual base plate design 1 Actual base plate design](https://excel.civilmdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Actual-base-plate-design.png)
The base plate acts as an interface between the superstructure and the foundation; thus, completing the load path into the foundation. Base plates help provide a uniform distribution of superstructure loads to the foundation, and therefore conform to the shape of the foundation, typically a square or a rectangle.