Abstract: In this paper, the rigid bar method is used to analyse the variable cross section beam on layered foundation. The settlement coefficientof the layered foundation and the deflection of the variable cross section beam subjected to concentrated force, concentrated reactive couple,distributed load and the temperature change load are given analytically.Because of taking advantage of the high accuracy of analytical solution and the few unknowns of the rigid bar method, the common engineering problems can be solved in micro computer. The computing model provided is more reasonable than Winkler model and half-space model.