Analysis of Elastic Foundation with Deformation Modulus Continuously Varying across Depth

Abstract

The paper considers a deformation of an elastic layer with its deformation modulus varying across depth under the power law. A foundation model with two characteristics was used (coefficients of subgrade reaction). Formulas for foundation surface settlement were obtained: for settlement effected by a concentrated force and by a distributed load. The paper presents graphs of surface settlement illustrating the dependency between depth and variation of the deformation modulus. Evidence is presented for the observation: as the deformation modulus increases with the depth, settlement dampening gains intensity sideways from the load.