SAFE 2014 Mat Slab Design- Explaination Of Result and how to Overcome.

[din800]

Hi everyone...

I am a newcomer for SAFE 2014 software. I have learn this software recently via youtube to design mat slab foundation. I have finish my design but need some advice on analysis result since my project site is very constraint. My question is:
1. How to overcome if slab deformation value exceed allowable limit. My proposed slab thickness is 600mm and i think its make sense for this project. The SBC is only 25kn/m2.

2. How to overcome if SBC is exceed allowable value. The site is very constraint to enlarge to size of mat.

3. How to check overturning in SAFE if the column load is unbalance. And also a settlement value. Is the settlement and deformation is same?

Thanks a lot in advance.

 

[PSEPK]

din800,

I have not used SAFE 2014.Therefore my comments, given below, are based on my understanding of SAFE and general engineering practice:

1. To resist excessive deformation, you will need to increase slab stiffness, by increasing slab thickness, providing footing beams or or both.

2. If SBC exceeds allowable value, you might need to provide piles, or use some soil improvement technique to increasing SBC. You will require advice from a geotech engineer for this. Posting this question in Geotech Forum of this site, might help.

3. I am not clear about whether or how SAFE checks overturning. However, this aspect is somehow related to the load combinations of '0.6 Dead + Wind' and '0.6 Dead + Earthquake', required by US design codes.

Moreover, deformation is the result of loads on the structural elements (slabs, beams etc), where settlement is the compressive effect of the building load on the supporting soil.

HTH

A good structural engineer is often a blessing for others.