Numerical Examination of Loading Types Impact on Mat Foundations: A Case Study of a 10-storey Building in Gaziantep, Türkiye

Abstract

This study leverages advanced numerical analysis techniques to model the intricate interactions among soil, foundation, and structures alongside the nonlinear load-deformation characteristics of soils in three-dimensional environments. This research underscores mat foundation calculations' enhanced realism and cost-efficiency, offering improvements over traditional methodologies. The objective is to explore the effects of different superstructure loading types on mat foundation behaviour using three-dimensional finite element models. Thirty-six distinct models were developed to examine the influence of superstructure loads, which were varied across uniformly distributed loads, column loads, and comprehensive building models. Each mat foundation was analysed using separate models incorporating 3D volume elements, utilizing the Mohr-Coulomb material model to represent soil conditions as either 'normally loaded' or 'over-consolidated.’ The study presents detailed findings on total and differential settlements and internal forces, illustrated through figures and graphs, based on data from an existing ten-story building. Regarding bending moments, the most notable difference among loading types lies in the varied locations of maximum moments, independent of shear wall placement, particularly evident when simulating uniformly distributed loads. It is evident that the type of superstructure loading influences settlement patterns and internal forces, underscoring the necessity of considering this factor in analyses. Our findings reveal a significant disparity in construction costs between buildings erected on different soil classes, particularly between ZA and ZB. Structures situated on ZB-classified soil incur expenses approximately 1.5% higher than those on ZA-classified soil.