Analysis of Structures on

Elastic Foundations
Edward Tsudik
Copyright © 2013 by J. Ross Publishing

ISBN-13: 978-1-60427-074-7

Printed and bound in the U.S.A. Printed on acid-free paper.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Tsudik, Edward, 1933–

  Analysis of structures on elastic foundations / by Edward Tsudik.
   pages cm
  Includes bibliographical references and index.
  ISBN 978-1-60427-074-7 (hardcover : alk. paper) 1. Soil-structure
interaction. 2. Foundations. 3. Elastic analysis (Engineering) I. Title.

  TA711.5.T78 2012
  624.1’5—dc23

2012019966

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 Content

Preface......................................................................................................................vii
About the Author................................................................................................... xiii

Chapter 1 ​Soils and Soil Models . ............................................................................. 1

1.1 Introduction............................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Winkler Foundation................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Modulus of Subgrade Reaction for Individual Foundations........................................ 4
1.4 Elastic Half-Space or Elastic Continuum................................................................... 7
1.5 Elastic Layer............................................................................................................ 15
References................................................................................................................ 26

Chapter 2 ​Analytical Methods of Analysis of Finite Beams on

Winkler Foundation............................................................................................ 29
2.1 Introduction............................................................................................................. 29
2.2 Analysis of Infinite and Semi-Infinite Beams on Winkler Foundation....................... 30
2.3 Method of Superposition......................................................................................... 34
2.4 Method of Initial Parameters and its Application to Analysis of Regular Beams....... 38
2.5 Method of Initial Parameters.................................................................................... 43
2.6 Analysis of Continuous Beams and Frames on Winkler Foundation:
The Stiffness Method............................................................................................... 53
2.7 Exact Analysis of Frames on Winkler Foundation..................................................... 60
2.8 Exact Analysis of Interconnected Beams on Winkler Foundation............................. 73
2.9 Analysis of Rigid Piles with Horizontal Loads.......................................................... 84
2.10 Analysis of Rigid Piles with Horizontal and Vertical Loads...................................... 86
2.11 Flexible Piles. Variable Lateral Modulus of Subgrade Reaction................................. 88
References.............................................................................................................. 115

Chapter 3 ​Simplified Analysis of Beams and Frames on Winkler Foundation....... 117

3.1 Introduction........................................................................................................... 117
3.2 Analysis of Free Supported Beams......................................................................... 117
3.3 Analysis of Beams with Various Boundary Conditions........................................... 123
3.4 Analysis of Interconnected Beams.......................................................................... 130
3.5 Analysis of Pin-connected Beams........................................................................... 133
3.6 Analysis of Continuous Beams............................................................................... 136
3.7 Analysis of Stepped Beams..................................................................................... 137
3.8 Analysis of Complex Beams on Winkler Foundation.............................................. 149
3.9 Combined Analysis of Frames and Individual Foundations..................................... 150
3.10 The Second Method of Modeling and the Iterative Method................................... 154
References.............................................................................................................. 178

iii
iv     Analysis of Structures on Elastic Foundations

Chapter 4 ​Analysis of Beams on Elastic Half-Space............................................... 179

4.1 Introduction........................................................................................................... 179
4.2 Analysis of Rigid Beams......................................................................................... 180
4.3 Short Beam Analysis.............................................................................................. 187
4.4 Analysis of Short Beams with Uniformly Distributed Loads.................................. 192
4.5 Analysis of Long Beams......................................................................................... 193
4.6 Analysis of Complex Beams................................................................................... 196
4.7 Analysis of Frames on Elastic Half-space................................................................ 200
References.............................................................................................................. 241

Chapter 5 ​Analysis of Beams on Elastic Half-Space, Plane Strain Analysis............ 243

5.1 Introduction........................................................................................................... 243
5.2 The Method of Analysis......................................................................................... 244
5.3 Analysis of Beams with Uniformly Distributed Loads............................................ 252
5.4 Analysis of Beams with Concentrated Vertical Loads............................................. 256
5.5 Analysis of Beams Loaded with Concentrated Moments........................................ 258
5.6 Deflections of Beams with Uniformly Distributed Loads....................................... 261
5.7 Deflections of Beams with Vertical Concentrated Loads........................................ 263
5.8 Deflections of Beams Loaded with Concentrated Moments................................... 264
5.9 Combined Analysis of 2D Frames and Continuous Foundations............................ 265
References.............................................................................................................. 365

Chapter 6 ​Numerical Analysis of Beams Supported on Elastic

Half-Space and Elastic Layer............................................................................. 367
6.1 Introduction........................................................................................................... 367
6.2 Settlements of an Elastic Half-Plane, Plane Strain Analysis.................................... 368
6.3 Settlements of an Elastic Half-Space, 3D Analysis................................................. 370
6.4 Analysis of Beams Supported on Elastic Half-Plane............................................... 372
6.5 3D Analysis of Beams Supported on Elastic Half-Space......................................... 376
6.6 Analysis of Beams with Various Boundary Conditions........................................... 383
6.7 Analysis of Complex Continuous Beams................................................................ 386
6.8 Analysis of 2D Frames with Continuous Foundations............................................ 388
6.9 Analysis of a Group of Foundations....................................................................... 389
6.10 Analysis of Interconnected Beams.......................................................................... 393
6.11 Other Methods of Analysis.................................................................................... 397
6.12 Analysis of 2D and 3D Frames with Individual Foundations Supported
on Elastic Half-Space............................................................................................. 400
6.13 Analysis of Beams Supported on Elastic Layer....................................................... 403
References.............................................................................................................. 414

Chapter 7 ​Simplified Analysis of Mat Foundations................................................ 415

7.1 Introduction........................................................................................................... 415
7.2 Rigid Analysis......................................................................................................... 416
7.3 Elastic Analysis....................................................................................................... 418
7.4 Analysis of Infinite Plates Supported on Elastic Half-Space with a
Vertical Concentrated Load................................................................................... 420
7.5 Analysis of Infinite Plates Supported on Elastic Layer with a Vertical
Concentrated Load................................................................................................ 422
 Content     v

7.6 Approximate Analysis of Rectangular Mat Foundations Supported on

Elastic Half-Space.................................................................................................. 427
7.7 Approximate Analysis of Semi-Infinite Rectangular Plates Supported
on Elastic Half-Space............................................................................................. 431
References.............................................................................................................. 474

Chapter 8 ​Numerical Analysis of Mat Foundations............................................... 475

8.1 Introduction........................................................................................................... 475
8.2 Analysis of Mats Supported on Winkler Foundation.............................................. 476
8.3 Analysis of Mat Foundations Supported on Elastic Half-Space:
The First Method................................................................................................... 477
8.4 The Second Method............................................................................................... 480
8.5 The Iterative Method............................................................................................. 482
8.6 Zhemochkin’s Method........................................................................................... 483
8.7 Mats with Various Boundary Conditions................................................................ 486
8.8 Combined Analysis of Mat Foundations and Superstructures................................. 489
8.9 Combined Analysis of Walls, Frames and Mat Foundations.................................... 492
8.10 Analysis of Mat Foundations Supported on Piles.................................................... 497
References.............................................................................................................. 502

Chapter 9 ​Analysis of Circular Plates on Elastic Foundation................................ 503

9.1 Introduction........................................................................................................... 503
9.2 Simplified Analysis of Circular Plates on Elastic Foundation.................................. 503
9.3 Circular Plates on Elastic Half-space; Equations and Tables.................................... 507
9.4 Totally Rigid Circular Plates Supported on Elastic Half-Space............................... 510
9.5 Elastic Circular Plates Supported on Elastic Half-Space......................................... 512
9.6 Numerical Analysis of Circular and Ring Plates Supported on
Elastic Foundation.................................................................................................. 517
9.7 Analysis of Ring Foundations................................................................................. 521
9.8 Analysis of Narrow Ring Foundations.................................................................... 523
9.9 Analytic-Numerical Analysis of Circular Plates on Elastic Foundation................... 525
References.............................................................................................................. 556

Chapter 10 ​Special Structures on Elastic Foundation............................................ 557

10.1 Introduction........................................................................................................... 557
10.2 Analysis Composite Beams on Elastic Foundation.................................................. 557
10.3 Analysis of Composite Plates on Elastic Foundation.............................................. 560
10.4 Analysis of Boxed Foundations............................................................................... 566
10.5 Combined Analysis of Boxed Foundation and a 3D Frame-Superstructure............ 568
10.6 Analysis of Walls on Elastic Foundation................................................................. 570
10.7 Analysis of Walls with a Soft Storey Supported on Elastic Foundation................... 573
10.8 Analysis of Walls Supported on Frames with Individual Foundations..................... 576
References.............................................................................................................. 578
To Your Memory, to You, INNA
 Preface

Analysis of beams and plates supported on elastic foundation, in most cases, is related
to the design and analysis of various foundations such as individual footings, combined
and mat foundations. Although methods of analysis of beams and plates on elastic
foundation have been developed for a long time, up-to-date, practical application of
these methods is a difficult problem. Analytical methods such as the method of ini-
tial parameters (Pouzirevsky, Dutov, Umansky, Kiselev, and others) and the method
of superposition (Hetenyi) based on Winkler’s soil model are complex and cannot be
used by practicing engineers. Analysis based on the soil model with two coefficients
of subgrade reactions (Filonenko-Borodich, Pasternak) produces results close to those
obtained from analysis based on the Winkler foundation and are never used in prac-
tical applications. Analysis based on other soil models such as elastic half-space and
elastic layer (Shechter, Gorbunov-Posadov, and Zhemochkin) is even more complex,
although, in many cases, it reflects much better the actual behavior of the soil com-
pared to Winkler foundation, and produces more accurate and reliable results. Most
publications in the area of soil-foundation interaction are written by scientists and for
scientists. These publications may be of a high scientific value, but they are not writ-
ten for practicing engineers and cannot be used by practicing engineers. A practicing
engineer is always in need of a method for hand or computer analysis that is easy to
use and produces logical and reasonably accurate results. However, not too many pub-
lications and methods meet these requirements. Nevertheless, there are some good
publications that allow analyzing various beams and plates on elastic foundation using
tabulated solutions and simple equations. These methods are developed for Winkler’s
soil model as well as for elastic half-space and elastic layer. They are developed for
simple, free supported beams, but, as shown by the author of this book, they can also
be used for analysis of complex beams such as stepped beams, beams with various
boundary conditions, and others. These methods are not simplified approximate meth-
ods. They are based on accurate analytical methods of analysis and can be used not
only for preliminary calculations, but for final analysis as well. It is clear that large and
much more complex structures such as frames, continuous and interconnected beams,
mat foundations, and other large structures cannot be analyzed by hand. They require
good, professional computer software based on analytical or numerical methods. How-
ever, such methods are not always available. Most of the available computer software
uses Winkler’s soil model. Practical methods of analysis of beams and plates on elastic
half-space and elastic layer are not developed at all.
All structures such as buildings, bridges, dams, and many others are structures sup-
ported on soil and work as structures supported on elastic foundation. Loads applied to
these structures and transferred to the soil produce soil reactions and soil settlements.

vii
viii     Analysis of Structures on Elastic Foundations

Settlements of the soil, in turn, affect the structural system producing additional de-
flections and stresses in the superstructure. So, the soil, foundation, and the superstruc-
ture work together as one whole system. However, up-to-date analyses of foundations
and superstructure are performed separately. Analysis of the superstructure does not
take into account deflections of the foundation, and analysis of the foundation does not
take into account the rigidity of the superstructure. The primary purpose of this book
is to provide the civil/structural engineer with simple methods for hand and computer
analysis of various structures supported on elastic foundation including beams, plates,
frames, and walls using the three most popular soil models: Winkler foundation, elastic
half-space, and elastic layer.
This book includes tables and simple equations for hand analysis of various beams
on elastic foundation. It also contains a detailed explanation of analytical and numeri-
cal methods for computer analysis of various beams and plates. It includes methods
proposed by the author of this work for combined analysis of the total system Soil-
Foundation-Superstructure as one structural system. This book contains ten chapters.
Chapter 1 provides a basic description of the soil models such as Winkler founda-
tion, elastic half-space, and elastic layer. It includes practical recommendations for ob-
taining the soil properties and soil settlements. It shows advantages and disadvantages
of each of the soil models and the use of these models in practical design. Basic equa-
tions for obtaining the modulus of subgrade reaction for elastic foundations as well as
for totally rigid foundations are recommended.
Chapter 1 also includes equations for obtaining settlements and rotations of totally
rigid foundations supported on elastic half-space and elastic layer, and also tables pro-
posed by Giroud and Gorbunov-Posadov.
Chapter 2 is devoted to analysis of beams on Winkler foundation. It includes basic
simple equations for the analysis of infinite and semi-infinite beams. Chapter 2 also
includes a detailed explanation of two classical analytical methods of analysis of finite
beams: method of superposition and method of initial parameters. Numerical examples
illustrate applications of both methods to practical analysis. Using the method of initial
parameters, the author obtained equations for beams with various boundary condi-
tions and used these equations for analysis of statically indeterminate systems such as
continuous beams on Winkler foundation and frames with continuous foundations.
The author also obtained equations for beams with totally rigid elements at their ends
and used them for analysis of frames on Winkler foundation taking into account the
totally rigid elements located at points of intersection of the frame columns and con-
tinuous foundations. Numerical examples performed by the author show that when
taking into account the totally rigid elements, results of analysis can be significantly
specified. The same equations are applied to analysis of a system of interconnected
beams taking into account the totally rigid elements at the area of beam intersection
and the torsional rigidities of the beams. Numerical examples performed by the author
proved that this exact specified analysis can reduce bending moments 2 to 2.5 times.
Some of the material in Chapter 2 is devoted to analysis of piles loaded with lateral
and vertical loads and moments applied to the heads of the piles.
Chapter 3 is devoted to hand analysis of beams supported on Winkler founda-
tion. It includes equations and tables developed by Klepikov. Tables and equations are
 Preface     ix

developed for analysis of free supported beams loaded with concentrated vertical loads
or moments. Beams of any length and flexural rigidity can be analyzed using tables
and equations presented in this chapter. Numerical examples confirm the simplicity
and accuracy of the method, and show that results of analysis are the same as those
obtained by other authors using analytical or numerical exact methods that require
much more time and work.
The same equations and tables, as shown by the author of this book, can be used not
only for analysis of free supported beams, but also for analysis of complex beams such
as beams with various boundary conditions, stepped beams, pin-connected beams,
continuous beams, and simple interconnected beams. Chapter 3 also includes a discus-
sion of another simple method for analysis of beams and frames on Winkler foundation
by replacing the soil with a series of elastic supports, and using any computer program
for analysis of regular statically indeterminate systems. This method of analysis does
not require any new software. Any structural system made of line elastic elements and
supported on Winkler foundation can be analyzed. Chapter 3 also presents a proposed
method of combined analysis of 2D and 3D frames with individual foundations. The
soil under the foundation is replaced with a simple beam with both fixed ends or a
column with rigidities equivalent to the rigidities of the given soil and foundation.
Chapter 4 describes analysis of beams on elastic half-space developed by Gorbunov-
Posadov. All beams are divided into three categories: rigid beams, short beams, and
long beams. Tables developed for these three categories of beams allow performing
analysis relatively easy. But tables and formulae are limited only to analysis of beams
free supported on elastic half-space. Chapter 4 includes a method proposed by the
author of this book for analyzing beams with various boundary conditions using the
same tables and formulae. The same tables are used for analysis of continuous beams.
Several numerical examples illustrate the application of the tables and equations pre-
sented in Chapter 4.
Chapter 5 introduces a method of analysis of beams supported on elastic half-space
that works under plane strain conditions. The method was developed by Simvulidi and
is used for the analysis of long narrow plates in the short (width) direction by cutting
off bands from the plate and analzing them as beams on elastic half-space. Simvulidi
obtained formulae for beams loaded with concentrated loads, moments, and uniformly
distributed loads. Tables and simple formulae allow performing fast and easy analysis.
Although the tables and formulae are convenient, they still have limited application
since they are used only for plane strain analysis. Several numerical examples solved
by the author demonstrate the application of the method to solutions of practical en-
gineering problems. Chapter 5 also includes simple equations and tables for obtaining
rotations and settlements of beams supported on elastic half-space. Equations and ta-
bles allow analyzing not only beams, but also various statically indeterminate systems
such as pin-connected beams, stepped beams, and frames supported on elastic half-
space. However, it is important to note that the method does not take into account the
influence of the loads applied to the half-space by closely located foundations.
Chapter 6 introduces a numerical method of analysis of beams and 2D as well as
3D frames on elastic half-space. The method was developed by Zhemochkin only for
analysis of free supported beams loaded with concentrated vertical loads. Practical
x     Analysis of Structures on Elastic Foundations

limitations of the method can be understood by taking into account that the method
was developed a long time ago, when practicing engineers did not use computers, and
hand analysis, especially solutions of large systems of linear equations, was simply im-
possible. However, even today, when computer analysis is a routine procedure, Zhe-
mochkin’s method can be successfully used and further developed not only for analy-
sis of simple beams, but also for analysis of more complex problems. In Chapter 6, the
method is applied to analysis of beams with various loads including beams with vari-
ous boundary conditions. The method is applied to analysis of stepped and continuous
beams as well as to combined analysis of 2D frames with continuous foundations. It is
also used for analysis of interconnected beams supported on elastic half-space.
Chapter 7 describes simplified methods of analysis of mat foundations including
infinite mats supported on elastic half-space, elastic layer, and Winkler foundation.
Shechter obtained an analytical solution for infinite plates supported on elastic half-
space and elastic layer. He also developed tables and equations for practical applica-
tions. As shown by Shechter, when the height of the elastic layer is small, results of
analysis are practically the same as results obtained from analysis of plates on Winkler
foundation. A series of numerical examples presented in Chapter 7 illustrate applica-
tion of the tables and formulae to analysis of infinite plates. Solutions obtained by
Shechter can be used for analysis of finite plates by applying to the edges of the plate
loads or deflections that satisfy the actual boundary conditions. Chapter 7 also pre­
sents an approximate method of analysis of rectangular finite plates loaded with a
series of concentrated vertical loads developed by Gorbunov-Posadov. Numerical ex-
amples illustrate application of the method to practical analysis.
Chapter 8 describes a numerical method of analysis of mat foundations supported
on Winkler foundation and elastic half-space using the finite element method. Analysis
of mat foundations on Winkler foundation is well known, while analysis of finite plates
on elastic half-space developed by the author of this book is new. Analysis of mat
foundations on elastic half-space is performed by equating settlements of the mat at all
finite element nodes to the settlements of the elastic half-space under the same nodes.
Two groups of equations are written: one shows the reactions of the plate at each node
due to the plate settlements and given loads applied to the plate. The second group
shows the settlements of the half-space as functions of the loads applied to the half-
space. The total number of unknowns is equal to 2n (n reactions plus n settlements).
By solving two groups of equations all soil reactions and all settlements are found.
Chapter 8 also includes a method of combined analysis of mat foundations and super-
structure (frames and walls) as one structural system. A part of Chapter 8 is devoted
to analysis of mat foundations supported on piles. It includes mats totally supported on
piles and mats partially supported on soil and partially supported on piles. The method
is used for two soil models: Winkler foundation and elastic half-space.
Chapter 9 is devoted to analysis of circular and ring foundations. This chapter in-
cludes simplified formulae obtained by Beyer and also formulae and tables for analysis
of circular plates supported on elastic half-space obtained by Gorbunov-Posadov. All
tables and formulae are developed for symmetrically loaded plates. Some numerical
examples illustrate the use of the tables and formulae. A numerical method of analysis
proposed in Chapter 9 by the author uses the method of finite elements, developed
 Preface     xi

for two soil models: Winkler foundation and elastic half-space. Analysis, in principle, is
not different from analysis of rectangular plates. However, the plate is divided into a
system of triangular finite elements and the pressure is applied to the soil as a series of
circular uniformly distributed loads. Narrow ring foundations are replaced with poly-
gons, and all sides of the polygon are replaced with line elements supported on soil.
Any computer program for analysis of 3D statically indeterminate systems can be used
for analysis of such types of foundations. Chapter 9 also includes an analytical method
of analysis of circular plates loaded with non-symmetrical vertical loads. The method
is developed for plates free supported on ring foundations and for plates restrained
against any deflections along their perimeter. The method is developed for two soil
models: Winkler foundation and elastic half-space.
Chapter 10 is devoted to analysis of some special structures supported on elas-
tic foundation. This chapter includes analysis of composite beams and plates, analysis
of walls with continuous foundations, walls supported on frames with individual and
continuous foundations, analysis of boxed foundations, including combined analysis of
boxed foundations, and 3D frames.
It is important to mention that all methods discussed in this book are recommended
for hand as well as for computer analyses. Some of the methods allow obtaining fast
and easy solutions of many practical problems. For example, analysis of free supported
beams described in Chapters 3 through 5, analysis of beams with various boundary
conditions, and others. However, analysis of large continuous beams can be performed
using only computer analysis and special software based on methods described in the
book. Analysis of many complex problems such as numerical analysis of mat foun-
dations supported on elastic half-space also requires special software. In some cases,
complex problems can be solved by using existing well-known computer programs.
For example, analysis of 2D and 3D frames with individual foundations supported on
Winkler foundation or on elastic half-space can be performed using a standard pro-
gram for analysis of 3D statically indeterminate systems. The same standard computer
programs can be used for analysis of continuous beams, interconnected beams, stepped
beams, and various other structures supported on Winkler foundation. It is also impor-
tant to remember that many problems, such as analysis of composite beams and plates
on Winkler foundation, require the use of only one standard program for analysis of
regular continuous beams or plates. Such types of programs are widely available. In
conclusion, it is also important to note that the content of this book is limited by static
analysis only. This book includes mostly foundations and structures that a practicing
civil and structural engineer is dealing with.
This book includes formulae and tables developed by some well-known scientists (S.
N. Klepikov, O. Y. Shechter, M. I. Gorbunov-Posadov, and I. A. Simvulidi) and detailed
descriptions of two classical methods of analysis of finite beams on Winkler founda-
tion—the method of initial parameters and the Hetenyi method. It also includes a
description of the Zhemochkin method for analysis of beams on elastic half-space as
well as methods of analysis proposed and developed by the author.
The author wishes to thank Professor Samuel Aroni for reviewing the work and
making many useful recommendations, Dr. Mark Buhkbinder, P.E., for his helpful criti-
cism and recommended corrections, and Robert Mayer, S.E., for his help and many
xii     Analysis of Structures on Elastic Foundations

practical suggestions. The author also wishes to thank all the people at J. Ross Publish-
ing, especially Stephen Buda for his help and cooperation.
Finally, it should be noted that while every care has been taken to avoid errors, it is
hard to imagine that all errors in the book were detected. The author would be very
grateful for any corrections and suggestions made by the reader.
 About the Author

Dr. Edward Tsudik is a licensed Profes-

sional Civil Engineer with extensive prac-
tical and research experience in structural
engineering and structural mechanics. He
holds two MS degrees in Hydraulic and
Civil Engineering and a PhD in Structural
Mechanics from MADI, Department of
Bridges and Underground Structures, an
internationally recognized engineering
school in Moscow. His professional expe-
rience includes many years of engineer-
ing work combined with teaching and
research in the areas of earthquake and
foundation engineering. He managed the
design and construction of various build-
ings and other structures, mostly in heavy
earthquake zones. He has worked and col-
laborated with some well-known scientists
such as A. A. Umansky and V. A. Kiselev (cofounders of the method of initial param-
eters), A. P. Sinitsin (coauthor of the well-known Zhemochkin’s method for analysis
of beams on elastic half-space), O. Y. Shechter, M. I. Gorbunov-Posadov, and others. In
1981, he immigrated to the United States and worked as a structural engineer for Pull-
man and Kellogg Inc. and Foster-Weller Energy Corporation in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tsudik is the author of numerous publications including two monographs.
His professional interests lie in the areas of structures on elastic foundation and
soil-foundation-structure interaction. Material presented in this book reflects his long
professional experience in this field. Dr. Tsudik is a member of the American Society
of Civil Engineers and the Structural Engineers Association of California. He resides in
Santa Monica, California, and can be contacted via e-mail at etsudik@gmail.com.

xiii
 1
Soils and Soil Models

1.1 Introduction
Analysis of structures and structural elements, supported on soil, requires the
knowledge of the properties of the structure, as well as the properties of the soil.
While properties of structural materials of the foundation and superstructure are
usually well known, obtaining the soil’s properties and, especially, evaluating the
soil’s behavior under applied loads, is very difficult. Various soils react differently
to applied loads and, like any bearing material, produce under the same loads dif-
ferent settlements and different stresses. A wide variety of soil and its properties
as well as various complex soil conditions require soil investigation and testing
in each case. Analysis of beams, plates, walls, frames, and other structures sup-
ported on elastic foundations is usually performed by modeling the soil; in other
words, by replacing the soil with material that behaves under applied loads like
the given real soil. The most popular soil models used by practicing engineers are:
Winkler’s soil model or Winkler foundation proposed by Winkler (1867) and later
used by many scientists like Hetenyi (1946), Umansky (1933), and others; elastic
half-space or elastic continuum proposed by Wieghardt (1922), Shechter (1939),
Gorbunov-Posadov (1941, 1949), Harr (1966); and elastic layer, developed by
Shechter (1948), Giroud (1968, 1972), and Poulos (1967). Some scientists trying
to improve the soil models mentioned above recommended the use of new soil
models. For example, Pasternak (1954) proposed a soil model with two coefficients
of subgrade reaction, and Reissner (1958) recommended a soil model that simpli-
fied analysis of foundations supported on elastic half-space. These and other soil
models are not discussed in this work. The reader can find a detailed review and
description of various soil models in the book written by Selvadurai (1979). Meth-
ods of analysis described in this book are developed only for three soil models:
Winkler foundation, elastic half-space, and elastic layer.

All tables can be found at the end of the chapter.

1
2     Analysis of Structures on Elastic Foundations

1.2 Winkler Foundation

Winkler foundation is based on the following relationship between the pressure ap-
plied to the soil and the soil settlement:
p
y= (1.1)
k
Equation 1.1 is the basic equation for analysis of structures supported on Winkler foun-
dation. In this equation, y is the settlement of the soil, usually in centimeters or in inches,
kip kg
p is the load applied to one square unit of the soil area, usually in 2 or , and k
in cm 2
kip kg
is the modulus of subgrade reaction in or .
in 3 cm 3
The modulus of subgrade reaction represents a load that, being applied to one
square unit of the soil surface, produces a settlement equal to one unit, and is the only
parameter needed to obtain the settlement of the soil. Winkler foundation is based on
the following three assumptions:
1. The load applied to the soil surface produces settlements of the soil only under
the applied load and does not produce any settlements and stresses outside of
the loaded area.
2. The soil can resist compression as well as tension stresses.
3. The shape and size of the foundation do not affect the settlement of the soil.
These assumptions are not always accurate because it is well known that, in many
cases, a load applied to the soil produces settlements not only under the applied load,
but also outside the loaded area. It is also well known that soil does not resist any,
even small, tension stresses. And finally, the settlement of the soil depends not only on
the type of soil but also on the shape and size of the foundation. However, numerous
experimental and theoretical investigations as shown by many scientists, for example,
Klepikov (1967), proved that analysis based on Winkler foundation produces realis-
tic results that are practically close enough to results obtained from soil testing and
observations of settlements of real structures. Regarding the assumptions mentioned
above, it is important to note that most of the foundation settlements are produced by
loads applied directly to the loaded areas, especially for soft soils. Loads applied to the
soil outside of the loaded area may affect these settlements only for soils such as hard
clay, limestone, rock, and other similar soils that, to a certain degree, follow the rules
of the theory of elasticity. Tension stresses between the soil and foundation occur in
some cases, not only when Winkler’s soil model is used. They occur regardless of what
kind of soil model is used. In addition, it is important to remember that in most of the
cases, the weight of the structure is very high and tension stresses practically do not
take place. Obtaining the modulus of subgrade reaction is a difficult problem. Numer-
ous methods are used in practical applications. Korenev (1962) recommends the use of
Table 1.1 developed for various types of soils shown below. However, Table 1.1 can be
used only for preliminary calculations.
The modulus of subgrade reaction can be obtained with a higher level of accuracy
from testing the soil with a 12 in. square or round plate and plotting a curve p versus
y shown in Figure 1.1.
 Soils and Soil Models     3

Figure 1.1 

In order to extrapolate the test results to a real foundation, Terzaghi (1955) pro-
posed some empirical equations. For example, for clayey soils when the contact pres-
sure is less than one-half of the ultimate bearing capacity, the equation looks as follows:
kS /kP = BP /B (1.2)
where kp is the plate load value of the modulus of subgrade reaction using a plate di-
mension of Bp, and kS is the value to use under the actual foundation of width B. Terza-
ghi (1955) proposed for cohesionless soils the use of the following equation:
2

kS = kP e B + 1 o (1.3)
2B
The modulus of subgrade reaction for a rectangular plate of dimensions B and L = mB
can be obtained from the soil test performed by a square plate from equation 1.4:

k S = k p e m + 0. 5 o (1.4)
1.5
Vesic (1961) proposed to find the modulus of subgrade reaction from equation 1.5 us-
ing the modulus of elasticity of the soil obtained from a triaxial test.
ES B 4 ES
kS = 0.65 12 : (1.5)
B Eb I 1 - o 2
In equation 1.5, B is the width of the foundation, Eb is the modulus of elasticity of the
foundation, ES is the modulus of elasticity of the soil, I is the moment of inertia of the
foundation, and o is the Poisson ratio. Extrapolating the results of the plate load test for
the real foundation, Vesic obtained the following equation:

kS = 0.52 12 k B kl
l 4
(1.6)
B Eb I
ES
where kl =
1 - o2
Approximate values of the modulus of elasticity for various soils included in the equa-
tions shown above can be obtained from Table 1.2. However, these values cannot be
4     Analysis of Structures on Elastic Foundations

recommended for final analysis, especially for analysis of foundations of complex struc-
tures. The modulus of elasticity for final analysis is usually obtained from field soil test-
ing for each job site. The modulus of elasticity of the soil for final analysis is obtained
from the same curve shown in Figure 1.1 from the following equation:

E = `1 - o2j P (1.7)
y lim d
In equation 1.7, P is the total load applied to the plate taken from the end of the initial
portion of the curve, ylim is the settlement of the plate due to load P, and d is the diam-
eter of the plate. If the test is performed with a square plate, the area of the plate (a2)
is replaced with an equivalent area of a circular plate e rd o and diameter d is ob-
2

4
tained as d = a 4 Equations 1.3–1.6 are developed only for rectangular foundations
r
and cannot be used for foundations of a different shape. Nevertheless, the modulus of
subgrade reaction for foundations of different shapes can be found from equation 1.8
shown here:

k= E
(1.8)
~ A `1 - o 2j
where ~ is the shape coefficient that is taken from Table 1.3 and A is the area of the
foundation. As can be seen, equation 1.8 takes into account the area and shape of
the foundation. It also shows that the larger the area of the foundation, the smaller the
modulus of subgrade reaction. In other words, equation 1.8 shows that the modulus of
subgrade reaction depends not only on the type of soil and applied loads; it depends
on the shape and dimensions of the foundation. The reader may find other methods of
obtaining the modulus of subgrade reaction recommended by other authors in various
publications.

1.3 Modulus of Subgrade Reaction for Individual

Foundations
Formulae presented above are developed for analysis of elastic foundations experi-
encing vertical deflections. The modulus of subgrade reaction is the only soil param-
eter needed for analyzing elastic beams and plates supported on Winkler foundation.
Unlike beams and plates, totally rigid individual foundations, in general, experience
rotations and horizontal deflections that, in accordance with Barkan (1962), may be
very large. Figure 1.2 shows an individual foundation with three loads: vertical concen-
trated load NZ applied to the center of the foundation, moment MX, and a horizontal
load NX applied at the bottom of the foundation. Deflections of the foundation are
shown in Figure 1.3.
Deflections of individual footings supported on Winkler foundation can be obtained
from the following well-known equations:
NZ M NX
DZ = {X = X DX = (1.9)
KZ A K{ I KX A
 Soils and Soil Models     5

Figure 1.2 

Figure 1.3 

Trying to connect these simple formulae with deflections of an elastic stamp supported
on elastic half-space, Klepikov (1967) obtained the following formulae:
NZ A ` 1 - o 2 j MX A ` 1 - o 2 j NX A ` 1 - o j` 1 - o~X j
DZ = {X = DX = (1.10)
~Z EA ~{ EI ~Z EA
In formulae 1.9 and 1.10, E is the modulus of elasticity of the soil, o is the Poisson
ratio, A is the area of the foundation, and I is the moment of inertia of the foundation
about the axis Y.
Dimensionless coefficients, ~z, ~{ and ~X are found depending on a/b from Table
1.4. The vertical load NZ applied to the foundation will produce settlement y and the
modulus of subgrade reaction is found as follows:
NZ
KZ = (1.11)
Ay
Using the first equation from 1.9 and equation 1.11, we obtain the modulus of subgrade
reaction of the soil loaded with a vertical load applied to the center of the foundation:
~z E
KZ = (1.12)
A `1 - o 2j