rigid base

[oneintheeye]

Just a quick (hopefully simple) one. How would you determine if a raft is rigid rather than flexible?

cheers.

 

[DaveAtkins]

I think it depends on what analysis technique is available to you. If designing by hand, assume it is rigid. But it is more accurate to assume it is flexible, using soil springs to support the raft. Of course, you need a 3D computer analysis program for this.

DaveAtkins

 

[msquared48]

I thought that most raft foundations were designed using the "Beam on an Elastic Foundation" approach. (soil springs as you mention)

Is not a flexible raft the inherent result using that design approach?

Mike McCann
McCann Engineering