Modelling of Foundation for a 128 metre High Commercial Building in the Vicinity of River Krishna Subjected to Severe Wind

Abstract

Many superstructures are being constructed around the world which paves the way for growth, development and progress of the megacities for a particular area. It becomes necessary to consider the possibility of these structures being prone to natural disasters like wind, earthquakes and floods. With the availability of various analytical methods and advanced numerical software, it is now possible to study and analyse the effects of natural disasters based on soil conditions and foundation types. Analysis of geotechnical aspects such as safe bearing capacity and settlements of the foundation is based on soil depth. An assumed commercial building of 40 floors resting on cellular raft foundation in layered soils in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, India, was used in the present study. Cellular raft foundation is selected to reduce differential settlements to prevent the upheaval effects of soil. Modelling on PLAXIS 2D was done to check the effects of wind force on the building near the River Krishna. Modelling results showed an unacceptable level of structural deformations and tilting effects on the basement walls. To overcome these effects, anchors were provided at a vertical spacing of H/3 and modified H/6 inclined at 30°, 45° and 60°, where H is the basement wall height. The anchor placed at modified H/6 spacing with a 60° inclination to the ground was found to offer adequate resistance to the observed structural deformations and tilting effects. To reduce deformations in the basement and building walls, addition of 1% of lime improves the top layers of the soil.