In this paper, the finite element method(FEM) is carried out for the contact pressure under circular foundation with visco-elastoplastic model and a 8 node finite element program determing parameter. In order to prove the reliability of the theoretical analysis, a circular rigid loading plate test on remolded clay is done. Otherwise, a comparison of the measuring contact pressure under box foundations of highrise buildings in Beijing and Shanghai with the calculated value by different method is made. The result shows the calculated value by the method proposed in this paper is more coincident with practical data.