Numerically Based Parametric Analysis of Mat Foundations
Publication: Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 25, Issue 2
Abstract
This study uses the finite element method to investigate the behavior of symmetrical mats subjected to concentrated loads. The analysis considers different mat geometries, soil moduli of subgrade reaction, and concrete moduli of elasticity. The effect of these parameters on the maximum soil bearing pressure, bending moment, and shear within the mat is determined. For the considered mats, the maximum soil bearing pressure is observed below the corner columns, while the minimum soil pressure occurs in the middle of the central panel. The maximum positive bending moment is found below the interior column closest to the edge, whereas the maximum negative moment was located along a column strip midway between the edge and first interior columns. The location of the maximum shear occurs at the face of the edge column nearest to the corner of the mat. The most important parameters that affect the structural response of a mat are the thickness of the mat and spacing between columns, and to a lesser extent the soil modulus of subgrade reaction, concrete modulus of elasticity, and panel aspect ratio.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available from the corresponding author by request (all input files for the SAFE software).
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support provided by the American University of Sharjah through faculty research grant number FRG11-II-22.
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Published In
Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 25 • Issue 2 • May 2020
Copyright
©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 24, 2019
Accepted: Oct 29, 2019
Published online: Mar 3, 2020
Published in print: May 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Aug 3, 2020
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