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Modelling A Raft Foundation by Sukanta Adhikari: 1) Model Selected
Modelling A Raft Foundation by Sukanta Adhikari: 1) Model Selected
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
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