Analysis of the strip footing with closely spaced spring support in STAAD

Nodes at 0.20m spacing are incorporated in the footing represented by a beam element of cross
section 0.40m x 1.20m. The soil support is idealised as spring support at all these nodes. For medium
sandy soil, the Modulus of Subgrade Reaction value of 25000 kN/m 2/m is assumed. The width of the
footing is 2.00m. The influence area of the intermediate nodes = 2.00 x 0.20 = 0.40 m 2. Spring value
(stiffness) = 0.40 x 25000 = 10000 kN/m. For the two end nodes, the spring value = 10000/2 = 5000
kN/m. The STAAD file is attached. The BMD shows considerable departure from that of the simplified
method given in the Text.

BMD

Y
Z X
Load 1 : Bending Z

It is noticeable that at point D, it is negative (hogging) moment as per STAAD analysis, while,
positive moment is appearing at the same point in the Text example. The BM values vary according
to the stiffness (spring value) of soil & the stiffness of foundation. If you analyse this STAAD file for
various values of the Subgrade Modulus, you can sense the variation in the BM values. Similarly, the
change in the cross section of the footing is also found to alter the BMs. The moments obtained by
manual method (as calculated by Abhishek Ji) and STAAD analysis are compared below :

Location B C D E
BM by Manual
Calculation (kNm) -268 -481 163 -136
assuming rigid support
BM by STAAD Analysis
(kNm) using soil spring -301 -712 -186 -160
supports

Take note of the change in the sign of BM at D. it is highly desirable to provide top and
bottom steel in strip / raft foundations, to take care of the imprecision involved in the analysis.