The influence on the shear failure characteristics of spread footings by factors such as plane dimensions of foundations, eccentric load and flexural reinforcements, etc. were researched through fourteen model experiments. The results show that punching shear failure will take place when the width of foundations is greater than the width of columns plus double h₀. When the width of foundations is less or equal to the width of columns plus double h₀, shear failure will take place if only arranging flexural reinforcement and flexural failure will take place if according to the reinforcement forms of beam. The bearing capacity and ductility of footings with shear reinforcements will increase considerably comparing with the foundations with identical dimensions and flexural reinforcements. When the spread footings were acted on by the eccentric load, the rupture angle of side at eccentric direction is greater than the rupture angle which were acted on by centric load. The flexural reinforcements can increase shear capacity of foundations. Base on the conditions of this tests,it may be increased about 15%~20% averagely.