6/22/2019 Mat (Raft) Foundation Theory

Mat (Raft) Foundation Theory

Analysis and design of mats is based on nite element method (FEM) coupled with slab-on-elastic-subgrade
principles.

First, you will create a nite element model of the proposed mat foundation. This may be accomplished in many
ways:

Importing a STAAD.Pro le of the superstructure, thus providing reference points for initial mat set-up and load
information, and de ning boundaries of the mat, or by creating the foundation slab from scratch and inputting
loading information manually or copy-pasting coordinates from MS Excel.

Any shape of mat (raft) can be modeled in STAAD Foundation Advanced. Various methods to create mat (raft)
model are explained in Quick Tour and STAAD Foundation Advanced graphical environment. Any shape of hole
or control region can be added to the mat (raft boundary).

STAAD Foundation Advanced follows physical modeling concept for mesh generation. By which you only have to
specify the boundary for mat (raft) and program will generate plate mesh based on boundary geometry,
loading, pile locations etc.

Program will also convert nite elements analysis results to global axis irrespective of plate orientations.

Modeling of foundation involves choosing meshing type (quadrilateral, triangular, or mixed), Internal Nodes
Spacing Factor, Optimization Level.

As with any FEM project, the denser the grid (smaller elements), the more precise results will be obtained. In
addition to the slab, the raft may include a number of beams between the column locations. Since the beams
would normally be part of the foundation, the slab polygonal meshing algorithm accounts for the presence of
the beam and ensures that they become continuously integrated with the slab. New nodes are purposely
created on the centerline of the beam and the beam is split between those points into a number of segments.

Meshing setup can be further re ned using Optimization Level and Internal Nodes Spacing Factor. Higher
optimization level implies program will try to precise the mesh with higher number of iterations. For larger mats
higher optimization level will lead to substantially large computer processing time. Internal Nodes Spacing
Factor is inversely proportional to node density inside the mesh.

Once the mat is de ned and all material/soil properties are input, the program may proceed with the analysis of
the structure. It is performed by the STAAD Analysis Engine. Realistic soil response is achieved by employing
non-linear (compression only) spring supports to model subgrade reactions. Pile reactions, if present, are
proportional to linear displacements of the supported node and include both compression and tension (uplift).

Using control regions di erent soil properties can be assigned a single mat model. Also mat can be partially
resting on soil and pile supports.

The program calculates internal forces and de ections for all slab and beam elements of the foundation. This
information is then used in the design stage of the program to:

Establish the required top and bottom exural reinforcing in two orthogonal directions, check punching shear
capacity at column locations.
https://docs.bentley.com/LiveContent/web/STAAD Foundation Advanced Help-v10/en/GUID-27284B21-DD3E-4D01-BBBD-EA4DE7655435.html 1/3
6/22/2019 Mat (Raft) Foundation Theory

The exural design is done in accordance with ACI 318 Chapter 10 of the Code (for US jobs). The reinforcement
areas are computed for a notional band one unit of length wide.

The program allows the designer, as an option, to use the Wood-Armer equations for reinforcement
calculations, as follows:

Mx, My, and Mxy are fetched or calculated, as described above. They are used to compute the values of design
moments, Mxd and Myd.

For top reinforcement, the program computes:

Mx1 = Mx + abs(Mxy)

My1 = My + abs(Mxy)

Mx2 = Mx + abs(Mxy2 / My)

My2 = My + abs(Mxy2 / Mx)

If both Mx1 and My1 are positive, Mxd = Mx1 and Myd = My1.

If both Mx1 and My1 are negative, Mxd = 0 and Myd = 0.

If Mx1 is negative and My1 positive, Mxd = 0 and Myd = My2.

If My1 is negative and Mx1 positive, Mxd = Mx2 and Myd = 0.

For bottom reinforcement:

Mx1 = Mx - abs(Mxy)

My1 = My - abs(Mxy)

Mx2 = Mx - abs(Mxy2 / My)

My2 = My - abs(Mxy2 / Mx)

If both Mx1 and My1 are positive, Mxd = 0 and Myd = 0.

If both Mx1 and My1 are negative, Mxd = Mx1 and Myd = My1.

If Mx1 is negative and My1 positive, Mxd = Mx2 and Myd = 0.

If My1 is negative and Mx1 positive, Mxd = 0 and Myd = My2.

Mxd and Myd are then used in lieu of Mx and My for calculations of the required reinforcing. Use of the
modi ed bending moments brings about more accurate distribution of the reinforcing, better matching critical
areas of the slab.

Notes

https://docs.bentley.com/LiveContent/web/STAAD Foundation Advanced Help-v10/en/GUID-27284B21-DD3E-4D01-BBBD-EA4DE7655435.html 2/3

6/22/2019 Mat (Raft) Foundation Theory

Flexural design notes (for US jobs):

Reinforcement calculations for slab panels are based on Chapter 10 of ACI 318-02. The minimum-reinforcing
ratio complies with the limits prescribed for shrinkage and temperature reinforcement in Section 7.12.
Maximum spacing of rebar is 18 in. The maximum reinforcing ratio corresponds to the net tensile strain at
nominal strength equal to 0.004 (Clause 10.3.5). Strength reduction factor is established in accordance with
Section 9.3.2.

Punching shear design notes (for US jobs):

Design for two-way shear is carried out in accordance with Section 11.12. The unbalanced moment transfer by
eccentricity of shear is based on Clause 11.12.6. Shear strength of concrete is based on Clause 11.12.2.1.
Strength reduction factor used is 0.75, in accordance with Section 9.3.2.

The program computes shear stress values at four corners of the rectangular critical section located at the
distance of d/2 from edges of a column. The calculations include the unbalanced moment transfer e ect, if
applicable, in accordance with 11.12.6.2.

Design output displays applicable code sections used for foundation design for all codes.

As program supports any shape for mat foundation design, it does not perform a check for sliding and
overturning. However, the program does provide contact area summary with which the overturning stability of
the mat can be determined. For sliding resistance, the program provides a reaction summary in lateral
directions which can be used to check sliding.

https://docs.bentley.com/LiveContent/web/STAAD Foundation Advanced Help-v10/en/GUID-27284B21-DD3E-4D01-BBBD-EA4DE7655435.html 3/3