MODELLING A RAFT FOUNDATION By Sukanta Adhikari

1) Model selected

2) Creating columns

3) i) Alternative 1 Using Plate mat with Y option

ii) Alternative 2 Plata mat with Y ONLY and Fixed But option

Two fictitious beams created in X and Z direction as two supports cannot be given to a single element/nodes

Super structure modeling, loading etc is not done here.

EXPLANATION

If the user intends that the STAAD program calculates the influence area for the joint to determine the spring stiffness support values in 3 directions, than plate mat/elastic mat option can be used. When X or Y or Z is selected then a spring support is generated in that direction plus 3 other directions receive a fixed support,ie,if Y is selected , then FY is supported by a spring; FX and FZ and MY are fixed supports; and MX and MZ are free. This modeling is done in alternative 1 option If XONLY, YONLY, or ZONLY are selected then only a spring support in that direction is generated. If a user selects Y ONLY option for a raft foundation supporting a 3 D frame structure in STAAD, problem arises. This is due to the fact that after the analysis of superstructure frame, the model generates vertical and horizontal force. For vertical direction Y direction spring is available, but no spring is available in horizontal X and Z direction. Analysis is done, yielding impractical values of forces, unsuitable for structural design purpose. The problem which arises in plate mat with Y direction is that all the horizontal forces are taken by exterior springs and no horizontal reaction comes to the internal springs