The paper presents a formulation and verification of a 2D soil – structure interaction model which enables the analysis of reinforced concrete shallow foundations under monotonic short-time loads. The structure supported by a deformable subsoil, whose elasto-plastic features are being considered. The structure model describes: the ability of crack creation, non-linear stress – strain characteristics of concrete and reinforcement and also reinforcement – concrete interaction. The foundation – subsoil contact model enables the identification of slide and adhesion zones. The presented mathematical formulation allowed for the development of a set of finite elements simulating the behaviour of the foundation, the subsoil and the contact zone between them. The elasto-plastic approach was used to describe the behaviour of the structure, the subsoil and the contact phenomena. Computer programs were prepared and verifying analyses were presented.