Abstract: A theoretical study is carried out on the current design approach of embedded steel column bases.The load transfer within embedded bases is analyzed.Because of the studs,part of the axial load is transferred from steel to foundation concrete.An analytical solution is presented for the axial load in the concrete.Through calculated examples it is found that the axial force in the concrete is 25%～35% of the total axial force of the column.Based on this finding,the design methods of shear stud and the column base plate are proposed.Based on the shear and bending moment transfer of the embedded steel column bases,the strength check is proposed,and for side columns and corner columns,horizontal U-rebars are proposed to prevent horizontal punch shear failure of concrete,method for determining the area of the U-rebars is presented.Embedded steel column bases have inadequate vertical punch shear strength below.It is presented a method for avoiding this punch shear failure by adding horizontal short steel beams at the base.