Foundation size effect on modulus of subgrade reaction on sandy soils

Abstract

Winkler model is one of the most popular models in determining the modulus of sub grade reaction. In this model the sub grade soil is assumed to behave like infinite number of linear elastic springs. The stiffness of these springs is named as the modulus of sub grade reaction. This modulus is dependent to some parameters like soil type, size, shape, depth and type of foundation. The direct method for estimating the modulus of sub grade reaction is plate load test that is done with 30-100 cm diameter circular plate or equivalent rectangular plate. Afterward, we have to extrapolate the test value for exact foundation. In the practical design procedure, Terzaghi's equation is usually used to determine the modulus of sub grade reaction for actual foundation, but there are some uncertainties in utilizing such equation. In this paper the size effect of foundation on sandy sub grade with use of finite element software (Plaxis) is proposed to investigate the validation of Terzaghi's formula on determination of sub grade reaction modulus. Also the comparison between Vesic's equation, Terzaghi's one and obtained results are presented.