DesigningSoilSupportedMats TRNC01843 1 0001

Practice Workbook
This workbook is designed for use in Live instructor-led training and for OnDemand selfstudy.
The explanations and demonstrations are provided by the instructor in the classroom, or in the OnDemand
eLectures of this course available on the Bentley LEARN Server (learn.bentley.com).
This practice workbook is formatted for on-screen viewing using a PDF reader.
It is also available as a PDF document in the dataset for this course.
Designing Soil Supported Mat

Foundations
This workbook contains exercises to learn how to design soil supported mat foundations in STAAD Foundation
Advanced.
TRNC01843-1/0001
DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted

Description and Objectives
Course Description
This workbook contains exercises to learn how to design soil supported mat foundations in STAAD Foundation Advanced.
Skills Taught
 Modeling Mat Foundations
 Loading Mat Foundations
 Analyzing Mat Foundations
 Designing Mat Foundation
Copyright © 2015 Bentley Systems, Incorporated DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted 2
Create the Mat Foundation Job
In this exercise, you will learn how to create a mat foundation job in STAAD Foundation Advanced.
1. Launch STAAD Foundation Advanced and open the dataset model that was supplied with this training (SFA_mats.sfa).
Note: The following information has already been created for this model:
 Foundation Plan: The column positions and dimensions have already been modeled.
 Loads & Factors: The load cases, load combinations, and column reaction loads have already been modeled for each support.
2. In the Main Navigator pane, select Job Setup > Create a New Job.
3. In the Data Input pane, enter the following information Job Information:
 Job Name: Mat_Design
 Job Type: Mat
 Design Code: US
 Default Unit Type: English
 Support Assignment: Assign to all Support
 Code Version: ACI 318-11
4. In the Data Input pane, click on the (Select All) icon in the Loading area to select all load cases.
Then, click on the Create Job button.
5. In the Ribbon toolbar, select the Home tab and then click on the Save icon.
Model the Mat Foundation
In this exercise, you will learn how to model the mat foundation geometry. Mat foundations can be modeled using the following
commands:
 Using Polyline: Used to create irregularly shaped regions.
 Add Rectangular Region: Used to create rectangular regions.
 Add Circular Region: Used to create circular regions.
 Regular Polygon: Used to create regular shaped convex polygonal regions.
1. Continue with the model from the previous exercise.

2. In the Main Navigator pane, select Mat Foundation Job > Mesh Generation > Add Meshing Regions > Add Rectangular Region.
3. In the Data Input pane, enter the following parameters:
 X Coordinate at Top Left Corner: -5 ft
 Z Coordinate at Top Left Corner: -5 ft
 Length: 50 ft
 Width: 40 ft
 Y Level: 0 ft
Then, click on the Add Region button.
4. In the Main Navigator pane, select Mat Foundation Job > Mesh Generation > Add Meshing Regions > Using Polyline.
5. In the Data Input pane, enter the following parameter:
 Number of Boundary Points: 4
Click on the Generate Table button and then enter the following coordinates:
Index X Y Z
1 3 ft 0 ft 8 ft
2 17 ft 0 ft 8 ft
3 17 ft 0 ft 22 ft
4 3 ft 0 ft 22 ft
6. In the Main Navigator pane, select Mat Foundation Job > Mesh Generation > Add Meshing Regions > Add Circular Region.
 X Coordinate at Center: 35 ft
 Z Coordinate at Center: 20 ft
 Radius: 5 ft
 Y Level: 0 ft
Define the Regions
In this exercise, you will learn how to organize the meshing regions into the following categories in preparation for defining the finite
element mesh:
 Boundary: The outermost region of the mat foundation.
 Hole: The holes/penetrations within the mat boundary.
 Control Region: A region within the mat boundary which has a different slab thickness or soil property.

2. In the Main Navigator pane, select Mat Foundation Job > Mesh Generation > Add Meshing Regions > Meshing Setup.
3. In the Geometry window, use your cursor to select the large mat polygon. It will turn red when selected.
Click
4. In the Data Input pane, enter the following information for this polygon:
 Add Selected Region as: Boundary
 Region Identifier: Mat_Boundary
Then, click on the Add button.
5. In the Geometry window, use your cursor to select the smaller mat polygon at the left. It will turn red when selected.
Click
 Add Selected Region as: Control Region
 Region Identifier: Equipment
 Select Boundary: Mat_Boundary
7. In the Geometry window, use your cursor to select the smallest mat polygon at the right. It will turn red when selected.
Click
 Add Selected Region as: Hole
 Region Identifier: Penetration
 Select Boundary: Mat_Boundary
Generate the Finite Element Mesh
In this exercise, you will learn how to generate the finite element mesh for a selected boundary. When defining the mesh, you will need
to specify the following parameters:
 Meshing Type: Select Quadrilateral or Triangular meshing.
 Create Node at Column Support Position: Ensures that a node will be located at support points.
 Optimization Level: Select a level for the engine optimization (from 1 to 10), which is used to control how precise the meshing
setup needs to be. Higher optimization level implies that the program will try to analyze the mesh with a higher number of
iterations, which will typically result in increased analysis time.
 Internal Nodes Spacing Factor: Used to control the plate size. It is inversely proportional to the node density into the mesh.

2. In the Data Input pane, highlight the Mat_Boundary.
Click
Enter the following parameters to generate the mesh:
 Target Maximum: 24 inches
 Optimize Base on Area: (checked)
Then, click on the Generate Mesh button.
3. In the Meshing Options dialog, enter the following information:
 Mixed Quad and Triangle Meshing: (selected)
 Create Node at Column Support Positions: (checked)
 Optimization Level: 3
 Internal Nodes Spacing Factor: 10
Then, click OK.
Note: Notice that the mesh density increases around the hole. In the following steps, you will learn how to modify the density of
the finite element mesh (and the geometry of each region) using the Edit Selected Region button.
4. In the Data Input pane, highlight the Penetration.
Click
Then, click on the Edit Selected Region button.
5. In the Edit Meshing Region dialog, edit the following parameter:

 Division: 20
Then, click OK.
Click
Then, click OK.
Loading Mat Foundations
In this exercise, you will learn how model the following types of loads to mat foundations:
 Self-Weight: STAAD Foundation Advanced does not automatically apply self-weight of the foundation system, so you can
manually apply the self weight to a load case/combination using the self-weight load type. This command is only applicable to mat
foundations as the self-weight for all other types of foundations will automatically be included in the analysis.
 Quadrilateral Loads: Plate pressure loads that can be applied directly to mat foundations.

2. In the Ribbon toolbar, select the Tools tab and then click on the Self Weight icon.
3. In the Add Self Weight & Modify Dead Weight Factor dialog, select the (checkbox) adjacent to the Dead Load type.
Then, click OK.
4. In the Main Navigator pane, select the Loads & Factors group.
5. In the Load Description pane, right-click on Load Case 1: DEAD LOAD and then select Add Rectangular Load in the pop-up menu.
6. In the Load Description pane, enter the following information:
 Unit: Kip/ft2
 Pressure: -0.1 kip/ft2
Position:
 Unit: ft
 X1: 5 ft
 Z1: 10 ft
 X2: 15 ft
 Z2: 10 ft
 X3: 15 ft
 Z3: 20 ft
 X4: 5 ft
 Z4: 20 ft
 Y: 0 ft
Specify the Analysis Properties
In this exercise, you will learn how to specify the following analysis properties:
 Slab Thickness: Specify the analysis thickness and the design thickness for each region. The analysis thickness will be used for
the REM analysis of the mat foundation and the design thickness will be used to design the mat slab.
 Soil Properties: Assign the soil properties (soil density, subgrade modulus, and soil height) for each region.

2. In the Main Navigator pane, select Mat Foundation Job > Analysis Properties > Slab Thickness.
3. In the Data Input pane, enter the following information:
Region Name Analysis Thickness Design Thickness
Unit in
Mat_Boundary 14 14
Equipment 20 20
4. In the Main Navigator pane, select Mat Foundation Job > Analysis Properties > Soil Property.
5. In the Data Input pane, highlight the Mat_Boundary region and then click on the Calculate Subgrade Modulus from Soil Bearing
Capacity button.
6. In the Calculate Subgrade Modulus from Soil Bearing Capacity dialog, enter the following parameters:
 Allowable Bearing Capacity: 4 kip/ft2
 Safety Factor: 3
 Allowable Soil Settlement: 0.5 inch
Then, click on the Calculate button and then click on the Assign button.
7. In the Data Input pane, complete the Soil Property Table by entering the following information:
Density 110 lb/ft3

Region Name Include Soil Spring Subgrade Modulus Soil Height
Unit kip/in2/in
Mat_Boundary (checked) 0.167 kip/in2/in 2.5 ft
Equipment (checked) 0.167 kip/in2/in 2 ft
Analyze the Mat Foundation
In this exercise, you will learn how to analyze the mat foundation.
Note: Before the mat foundation is analyzed, the mesh should be re-generated if anything changed (such as the loading or the
analysis properties) since the last time that the mesh was generated.

Click
Then, click OK.
5. In the Main Navigator pane, select Mat Foundation Job > Mat Analysis/Design Options > Analyze.
6. In the STAAD Foundation Advanced dialog, click Yes to confirm the analysis.
7. In the Ribbon toolbar, select the Home tab and then click on the Save icon when the analysis is complete.
Review the Analysis Results
In this exercise, you will learn how to review the following types of analysis results:
 Displacement Diagram
 Plate Stresses
 Soil Pressure

2. In the Main Navigator pane, select Mat Foundation Job > Mat Analysis/Design Options > Output View Options.
 Show Nodal Displacement: (checked)
Note: You may have to adjust the scale of the results if the displacement diagram is not visible. To adjust the scale, select the
Home tab in the Ribbon and then click on the Scale Setup icon.
4. In the Ribbon, select the Home tab and then select the 103: 1.000 x DL + 1.000 x LL load combination.
 Show Plate Stress: (selected)
 Select Stress Type: Max Absolute
 Show Soil Pressure: (selected)
Note: All of the analysis results indicated on screen (deflection, stress, soil pressure) are according to the currently selected load
case/combination. To see the results for other load cases, use the Current Load pull down menu in the Home tab of the Ribbon.
7. In the Ribbon toolbar, select the Home tab and then click on the Save icon when the analysis is complete.
Generate the Moment Envelope
STAAD Foundation Advanced divides the slab into a finite number of discrete points and then calculates stress on those nodes to
create moment envelope. In this exercise, you will learn how to generate the moment envelope.

2. In the Main Navigator pane, select Mat Foundation Job > Mat Analysis/Design Options > Moment Envelope Generation.
 Select current Panel: Mat_Boundary
 Longitudinal Axis Setup: Along Global X
 Division along Longitudinal Axis: 100
 Maintain Aspect Ratio: (checked)
 Select Load Type: Use Ultimate Load Cases Only
Then, click on the Generate Moment Envelope button.
Design the Mat Foundation
In this exercise, you will learn how to specify the slab design parameters and design the mat foundation.

2. In the Main Navigator pane, select Mat Foundation Job > Mat Analysis/Design Options > Slab Designer.
 Fy: 60 ksi
 F’c: 4 ksi
 Top Cover: 2 inches
 Bottom Cover: 3 inches
 Pedestal Cover: 2 inches
 Minimum Bar Size: 4
 Maximum Bar Size: 9
 Pedestal Minimum Bar Size: 4
 Pedestal Maximum Bar Size: 9
 Maximum Spacing: 12 inches
 Minimum Spacing: 4 inches
 Consider Wood and Armer Moments: (unchecked)
 Ignore Check for Minimum Reinforcement: (unchecked)
Then, click on the Design button.
4. In the STAAD Foundation Advanced dialog, click OK.
5. In the Data Input pane, click on the Details Report button.
6. In the Mat Slab Design dialog, select the Grid Points - Moment tab and review the following information:
 Longitudinal Reinforcement: Top and Bottom
 Transverse Reinforcement: Top and Bottom
Ensure that STAAD Foundation Advanced

has calculated the “Area Prod.” for each
direction and each face of the mat foundation.
If any field indicates “Failed”, then you may
have to modify the slab geometry or
modify the design parameters. If you
modify the slab geometry, you will have to
re-mesh the slab and then re-run the
analysis/design.
7. In the Mat Slab Design dialog, select the Punching Shear tab and review the punching shear results (including the design status)
for each column location.
Ensure that the design status indicates “Pass” for each column location.
If you experience any punching shear failures, you may need to increase
the slab thickness, re-mesh the slab, and re-run the analysis/design.
Then, click Close to complete the review of this slab.
Create the Reinforcement Zones
As the design is performed on thousands of points (generated through the moment envelope), it would be tedious to go through all of
the results to create a reinforcement layout. In this exercise, you will learn how to generate reinforcement zones to convert the design
results into a reinforcement contour plot.

2. In the Main Navigator pane, select Mat Foundation Job > Mat Analysis/Design Options > Reinforcement Zoning.
 Choose Slab Face: Longitudinal Top
 Preferred Zone Reinforcement Count: 5
Then, click on the Create Zone button.
 Choose Slab Face: Longitudinal Bottom
 Choose Slab Face: Transverse Top
 Choose Slab Face: Transverse Bottom
Edit the Reinforcement Zones
In this exercise, you will learn how to edit the reinforcement zones using the Reset Zones command.

2. In the Main Navigator pane, the Mat Foundation Job > Mat Analysis/Design Options > Reinforcement Zoning folder should
already be selected.

 Choose Slab Face: Longitudinal Bottom
 Lock Higher Zone: (checked)
 Current Zone: Zone 5
Then, click on the Select Nodes... button.
4. In the Main Window pane, use your cursor to select the entire mat foundation. (It should turn yellow when selected.)
5. In the Data Input pane, click on the Reset Zones... button.
 Choose Slab Face: Transverse Bottom
 Lock Higher Zone: (checked)
 Current Zone: Zone 5
Then, click on the Select Nodes... button.
7. In the Main Window pane, use your cursor to select the entire mat foundation. (It should turn yellow when selected.)
8. In the Data Input pane, click on the Reset Zones... button.

DesigningSoilSupportedMats TRNC01843 1 0001

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

DesigningSoilSupportedMats TRNC01843 1 0001

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Practice Workbook

Designing Soil Supported Mat

DO NOT DISTRIBUTE - Printing for student use is permitted

 Loading Mat Foundations

 Analyzing Mat Foundations

 Designing Mat Foundation

 Job Type: Mat

 Default Unit Type: English

 Support Assignment: Assign to all Support

 Code Version: ACI 318-11

Then, click on the Create Job button.

 Using Polyline: Used to create irregularly shaped regions.

 Add Rectangular Region: Used to create rectangular regions.

 Add Circular Region: Used to create circular regions.

 Regular Polygon: Used to create regular shaped convex polygonal regions.

1. Continue with the model from the previous exercise.

 Z Coordinate at Top Left Corner: -5 ft

Then, click on the Add Region button.

Then, click on the Add Region button.

Then, click on the Add Region button.

 Boundary: The outermost region of the mat foundation.

 Hole: The holes/penetrations within the mat boundary.

1. Continue with the model from the previous exercise.

 Region Identifier: Mat_Boundary

Then, click on the Add button.

 Region Identifier: Equipment

 Select Boundary: Mat_Boundary

Then, click on the Add button.

 Region Identifier: Penetration

 Select Boundary: Mat_Boundary

Then, click on the Add button.

 Meshing Type: Select Quadrilateral or Triangular meshing.

1. Continue with the model from the previous exercise.

Enter the following parameters to generate the mesh:

 Target Maximum: 24 inches

 Optimize Base on Area: (checked)

Then, click on the Generate Mesh button.

 Create Node at Column Support Positions: (checked)

 Internal Nodes Spacing Factor: 10

Then, click OK.

Then, click on the Edit Selected Region button.

5. In the Edit Meshing Region dialog, edit the following parameter:

Then, click OK.

6. In the Data Input pane, highlight the Mat_Boundary.

Enter the following parameters to generate the mesh:

 Target Maximum: 24 inches

 Optimize Base on Area: (checked)

Then, click on the Generate Mesh button.

 Create Node at Column Support Positions: (checked)

 Internal Nodes Spacing Factor: 10

Then, click OK.

1. Continue with the model from the previous exercise.

Then, click OK.

 Pressure: -0.1 kip/ft2

Then, click on the Add button.

1. Continue with the model from the previous exercise.

Region Name Analysis Thickness Design Thickness

 Allowable Soil Settlement: 0.5 inch

Density 110 lb/ft3

1. Continue with the model from the previous exercise.

Enter the following parameters to generate the mesh:

 Target Maximum: 24 inches

 Optimize Base on Area: (checked)

Then, click on the Generate Mesh button.