Analysis of elastic foundation plates with internal and perimetric stiffening beams on elastic foundations by using Finite Differences Method

Abstract

The mechanical behavior of rectangular foundation plates with perimetric beams and internal stiffening beams of the plate is herein analyzed, taking the foundation design into account. A series of dimensionless parameters related to the geometry of the studied elements were defined. In order to generalize the problem statement, an initial settlements was considered. A numeric procedure was developed for the resolution by means of the Finite Differences Method that takes into account the stiffness of the plate, the perimetric and internal plate beams and the soil reaction module. Iterative algorithms were employed which, for each of the analyzed cases, made it possible to find displacements and reaction percentages taken by the plate and those that discharge directly into the perimetric beams, practically without affecting the plate. To enhance its mechanical behavior the internal stiffening beams were prestressed and the results obtained with and without prestressing were compared. This analysis was made considering the load conditions and the soil reaction module constant.