if you are interesting to invesitgate through-thickness stresses, then it is better to use solid/brick element.

if you are interesting to invesitgate through-thickness stresses, then it is better to use solid/brick element.

If the model and loads are axi-symmetrical then you can use axi-symmetric analysis (each node has 2 dof, i.e. radial and axial). Calculation will be much faster. I have never used the Abaqus but I suppose there is such option in this system.

No its not axi-symmetrical

Its like bending a thin plate to 90 deg.

Most shell elements cannot give you through-the-thickness normal and shear stress. You need a shell theory which can describe the displacements (including transverse displacement) in a high-order polynomial, say 4th order.  

It based on the results that you will request.

Thin-walled plates are usually modeled using shell elements regardless type of analsis you are carried out sine it is less time and memory consuming. However, if you are more interested in the stress distribution throughout the   plate thickness the continuum Shell Elements SC6R available in ABAQUS may be a more suitable choice for you.

Good Luck

I need to simulate an isolated footing on sandy soil using Abaqus

are there are any tutorial can help me?