Mat/Raft Foundation

Organized by
Geotech & Structures
16-B, Rupayan Karim Tower
80 VIP Road, Kakraill, Dhaka-1205
 NECESSITY OF RAFT FOUNDATION

 sum of footing area > 50% of building footprint – then RAFT is

preferred
 But this concept is not accepted by all professionals
 NECESSITY OF RAFT FOUNDATION

 Raft foundation is generally suggested in the following situations:

 Building load is heavy

 Allowable bearing capacity of soil is so small that individual footings
would cover more than 50% or 80% of floor area
 Soil contains compressible lenses or the soil is sufficiently erratic
 When it is difficult to define and assess the extent of each of the
weak pockets or cavities
 When it is difficult to estimate the overall and differential settlement.
 NECESSITY OF RAFT FOUNDATION

 When structures and equipment to be supported are very sensitive to

differential settlement.

 Where structures naturally lend themselves for the use of raft

foundation such as silos, chimneys, water towers, etc.

 Floating foundation cases wherein soil is having very poor bearing

capacity and the total weight of the super-structure is proposed to be
balanced by the weight of the soil removed.
 NECESSITY OF RAFT FOUNDATION

 The amount of differential settlement between various parts of a

structure supported on a mat foundation is much lower than
individual footings but undergone the same amount of maximum
settlement.

 Maximum total settlement which can be allowed for a particular

structure on mat foundation is more than the structure is resting on
individual footings

 Where basements are to be provided

 COMPENSATED RAFT FOUNDATION

100% compensated foundation

=
floating foundation or buoyancy
raft foundation

• Very soft and highly compressible soil

• In normal circumstances building construction is not possible,
it may be possible to provide the building with a compensated
foundation
 COMPENSATED RAFT FOUNDATION

 The relief of stress due to the excavation is approximately balanced by the

applied stress of the foundation, resulting in a negligible net stress

 The structure acts in a similar way to a ship’s hull

 As a result there may be little consolidation settlement experienced

 Compensated foundations normally comprise a deep basement and/or are

used to support tall buildings or swimming pools, where a very large
amount of material is excavated.
 ADVANTAGES MAT FOUNDATION

 Ultimate bearing capacity increases with increasing width of

the foundation bringing deeper soil layers in the influenced
zone.

 Consolidation Settlement decreases with increased depth of

basement.

 Minimizes differential settlement

 TYPES OF RAFT FOUNDATION

Based on the method of their support

1. Raft supported on soil

2. Buoyancy raft or floating raft or fully compensated
mat foundation
3. Raft supported on soils and piles (Piled Mat)
 TYPES OF RAFT FOUNDATION

Based on structural system

1. Plain slab rafts which are flat concrete slabs having a uniform
thickness throughout. This can be with pedestals or without pedestals.
2. Beam and slab raft which can be designed with downstand beam or
upstand beam systems.
3. Voided mat or Cellular raft or Framed raft with foundation slab, walls,
columns and one of the floor slabs acting together to give a very rigid
structure.
 Plain Slab Raft

section
1. Flat plate

plan
 Plain Slab Raft

section

2. Plate thickened
under column

plan
 Slab and beam raft

section

Slab and beam raft

(downstand beam)

plan
 Slab and beam raft

section

Slab and beam raft

(upstand beam)

plan
 Voided Mat

section

plan
 Footing supported building and basement

section

This is not mat / raft

plan
 Pile supported building and basement

section

This is not mat / raft

plan
Separate joints need to be provided where mat consists varying loads
and heights or where raft changes the direction

Section A-A

A A
plan
 LOAD COMBINATION FOR BEARING
CAPACITY

Design Load

a) Shallow foundation design considering bearing capacity due to

shear strength shall consider the most unfavorable effect of the
following combinations of loading:

(i) D + L
(ii) 0.75*(D + L + W or E)
(iii) 0.9*D + Buoyancy Pressure
(iv) 0.6*D + W
 LOAD COMBINATION FOR SETTLEMENT

(b) Shallow foundation design considering settlement shall

consider the most unfavourable effect of the following
combinations of loading:

Cohesionless

D+L

Cohesive soil

D + 0.5*L
 Gross and Net Bearing Pressure

Gross Soil Pressure Net Soil Pressure

22
 Ultimate Vs. Safe Vs. Allowable Bearing
Capacity

• Ultimate bearing capacity = soil • Ultimate bearing capacity is determined using

pressure at which failure occur
• Safe bearing capacity =
ultimate/FS; so safety margin
exist, no failure; but may have
excessive settlement
• Allowable bearing capacity = soil
any formula = 600 kPa
• Safe Bearing Capacity = Ultimate / FS = 200
kPa
• Say footing size is 3 m x 3 m using safe
bearing capacity and calculated settlement is
150 mm

pressure at which settlement of • To limit the settlement within allowable limit

footing will be within permitted (say 50 mm), footing size need to be
limit increased. Say, 4 m x 4 m is ok at 100 kPa

• ***** settlement governs for most • So, Allowable bearing capacity = 100 kPa

of the soils

23
 General Bearing Capacity Equation

The gross ultimate bearing capacity of a mat foundation can be

determined by the equation below:
 General Bearing Capacity Equation

The term B in above equation is the smallest dimension of the

mat.

The net ultimate capacity of a mat foundation is

The factor of safety against bearing capacity failure of mats on

sand is very large
Bearing Capacity Factors

After Peck et al. (1974)

Bearing Capacity Factors
Bearing Capacity Factors
Shape Factors
Depth Factors

Ref: Hansen (1970)

 Depth Factors

Ref: Hansen (1970)

Depth Factors

Ref: Hansen (1970)

Inclination Factors

15o
 Bearing Capacity of Mat Foundations

Clay

• Saturated clay
• 𝜑=0
• vertical loading condition
• Cu = Undrained Cohesion
• Nc = 5.14 B
• Nq = 1.0
• Nγ = 0
• 𝑞 = γ ∗ 𝐷𝑓
 Bearing Capacity of Mat Foundations

Clay
Safe bearing capacity = Ultimate / FS
< bearing pressure under mat

[FS = 3]
Settlement must be calculated and
compared with allowable limit
FULLY COMPENSATED AND PARTIALLY
COMPENSATED MAT FOUNDATION
COMPENSATED MAT FOUNDATION

Figure indicate that the net pressure increase in the soil

under a mat foundation can be reduced by increasing the
depth of the mat.

This approach is generally referred to as the compensated

foundation design and is extremely useful when structures
are to be built on very soft clays.

In this design, a deeper basement is made below the higher

portion of the superstructure, so that the net pressure
increase in soil at any depth is relatively uniform
 Q
Df

FOS of fully compensated foundation = ∞

Ultimate Bearing Capacity Example (Clay)

5*N60 (kPa)
 Ultimate Bearing Capacity Example (Clay)

Gross ultimate bearing capacity Net ultimate

bearing capacity
=(582-20) kN/m2
=560 kN/m2
 Ultimate Bearing Capacity Example (Sand)

Sand

Gross ultimate bearing capacity

Ultimate Bearing Capacity Example (Sand)
 Allowable Bearing Capacity of Mat Foundations
at Limiting Settlement

Sand
The net allowable bearing capacity for mats constructed over granular
soil deposits can be adequately determined from SPT value.

N60 = Standard Penetration Resistance

B = Least dimension of Mat is not to be large
Df
Fd = depth factor = 1 + 0.33 ≤ 1.33
B
Se = Allowable settlement (mm)
 Allowable Bearing Capacity of Mat Foundations
at Limiting Settlement

Sand
When the width B is large:
 FoS of mat foundation on sand

 Ultimate Bearing Capacity by General Bearing Capacity Equation

Gross ultimate bearing capacity

 FoS of mat foundation on sand

 Allowable Bearing Capacity by special Bearing Capacity Equation

Short term and Long term bearing capacity of Mat on Soft clay

147 kPa 700 kPa

Short term and Long term bearing capacity of Mat on Stiff clay

Short term

1368 kPa
402 kPa
Bearing Capacity Considering Settlement
Ref: Bowels_ Foundation Analysis And Design (Fifth ed)

Top layer is a OC clay,

Preconsolidation pressure = 300 kPa
assume Cc=0.15; Cs=0.03
TABLE 5-6 (Bowels_ Foundation analysis and design)
Equations for stress-strain modulus 𝑬𝒔 by several test methods
TABLE 5-6 (Bowels_ Foundation analysis and design)
Equations for stress-strain modulus 𝑬𝒔 by several test methods
Calculation of average 𝐸𝑠
 𝐼𝑛𝑓𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟, 𝐼𝐹

𝐿
= 1.5 & 𝜇 = 0.3
𝐵

IF
Stratum depth actually causing settlement is lesser of
i. H = 5B
ii. Depth to where hard stratum is encountered

Hard stratum is that where Es in

the hard layer is about 10Es of
immediate upper layer
 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔
𝐼1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼2

Here, H = 27.5 m OR 50 m
So, H = 27.5 m
Settlement is calculated only at corner
Point of a foundation
𝑚𝑓 =1

𝑚𝑓 = 4
𝑚𝑓 = 2

 For calculating settlement at center

Value of 𝑚𝑓 = 4
Calculation of elastic settlement
Calculation of consolidation settlement

Top layer is a OC clay,

Pre-consolidation pressure = 300 kPa
assume Cc=0.15
Cs=0.03
𝐶𝑠

𝐶𝑐

300 kPa

eo

pressure
Calculation of consolidation settlement
Calculation of allowable bearing capacity and subgrade modulus
EFFECT OF SIZE OF FOUNDATION ON
SETTLEMENT
Variation of Settlement due to variation of size of mat/footing

Q= 3000 kN

3m x 3m
Calculation of consolidation settlement for Clay
Calculation of consolidation settlement for Clay
Variation of Settlement due to variation of size of mat

Q= 192000 kN

24m x 24m
Calculation of consolidation settlement for Clay
Variation of Settlement due to variation of size of mat

Q= 3000 kN

3m x 3m
Calculation of Elastic settlement for Sand
Calculation of Elastic settlement for Sand
Calculation of Elastic settlement for Sand

Q= 192000 kN

24m x 24m
Calculation of Elastic settlement for Sand
Calculation of Elastic settlement for Sand
Summary of settlement calculation for different size of
foundation

Soil type 3mx3m 24mx24m

333.3 kPa 333.3 kPa
sand 40 mm 108 mm
clay 91 mm 396 mm
 Fully Compensated vs. Partially Compensated Mat

• Fully compensated >>> no increase in net pressure

FoS = ∞

FoS = Finite value

 How to calculate Ks
 First elastic settlement will occur then consolidation settlement
will take place
 Therefore, Ks should be determined by considering both of the
settlements
 This can be done as follows

Considering elastic settlement

Where, 𝑞𝑜 = pressure due to axial force of the vertical member

∆𝐻 = Elastic settlement of the foundation
 How to calculate Ks
Although the base contact pressure 𝑞𝑜 remains constant the total
settlement is

Where, ∆𝐻𝑐 is the consolidation settlement

So, modulus of subgrade reaction is

 How to calculate Ks
If 𝑘𝑠 is known then 𝑘 ′ 𝑠 can be calculated by as follows

** worked out example (previously calculated)

FoS for
Foundation on
Clay Soil

Gross ultimate bearing capacity = 626 kN/m2

Calculated by General bearing capacity equation

Allowable bearing capacity = 174 kN/m2, Calculated by

considering settlement
 Mat Settlement

Mat foundations are commonly used where settlements may be a

problem. The settlement tends to be controlled by the following:

1. Use of a larger foundation to produce lower soil contact pressures

2. Use fully or partially compensated mat

3. Bridging effects attributable to

a) Mat rigidity
b) Contribution of superstructure rigidity to the mat
Total settlement at center, edge and corner of mat

Settlement is calculated only at corner

Point of a foundation
mf=1

mf=4
mf=2
 Differential Settlement of Mat

In 1988, the American Concrete Institute Committee 336 suggested a method for
calculating the differential settlement of mat foundations. According to this method,
the rigidity factor Kr is calculated as
 Differential Settlement of Mat

Flexural rigidity of foundation

 Differential Settlement of Mat

Differential Settlement of Mats

Worked out Example Rigidity Factor (Kr)
Worked out Example Rigidity Factor (Kr)
Worked out Example Distortion Factor (Dfr)

Our Proposal
 Important notes on differential settlement of mat

 Kr significantly related to modulus of elasticity of soil

– E𝑠
 If mat thickness is determined using punching shear,
then usually, mat becomes rigid – means no
differential settlement
 In Etabs/SAFE model, Ks should vary from center to
edge
 Voided or cellular mat is best to make the mat rigid
 Typical Modeling Practice

• Depending on the subgrade behavior, dishing may have a

relatively small effect on soil pressure distribution but may have a
more significant effect on bending moments in the mat
foundation (Horvilleur and Patel 1995).

1.5*Ks 2*Ks

Ks
 Mat Consolidation Settlements Example

Consolidation settlement

18m
Fig. 6.9 2
H2 H1
1

9m
 Mat Consolidation Settlements Example

Consolidation settlement
Solution

Laboratory test result

Mat Consolidation Settlements Example

mf=4
30m
15m x 20m

40m
Mat Consolidation Settlements Example

Determination of Ia(H2)
Mat Consolidation Settlements Example
Griffiths’ influence factor Ia
Mat Consolidation Settlements Example

Determination of Ia(H1)
Mat Consolidation Settlements Example
Griffiths’ influence factor Ia
 Consolidation settlement

Stress increase

2:1 method

2:1 method

It’s the total consolidation settlement

 Modulus of Subgrade Reaction (k) as per
BNBC-2017 (approximation)
 For determining the distribution of contact pressure below a raft both
analytical and numerical methods require values of the modulus of
subgrade reaction (k) of the soil.

Where,
Es= Modulus of elasticity of soil
EI= Flexural rigidity of foundation
B= Width of foundation
µ= Poisson’s ratio of soil
Modulus of Subgrade Reaction (k)
 Modulus of Subgrade Reaction (k)

For use in preliminary design, indicative values of the modulus

of subgrade reaction (k) for cohesionless soils are given below :

*Modulus of Sub-grade Reaction (k) Soil

Soil Characteristic
(kN/m3)
Standard
Relative Penetration Test For Dry or Moist State For Submerged
Density Value (N) (Blows State
per 300 mm)

Loose <10 15000 9000

Medium 10 to 30 15000 to 47000 9000 to 29000
Dense 30 and over 47000 to 180000 29000 to 108000

*The above values apply to a square plate 300 mm x 300 mm or beams 300
mm wide.
 Modulus of Subgrade Reaction (k)

For use in preliminary design, indicative values of the modulus of

subgrade reaction (k) for cohesive soils are given below :

Soil Characteristic

Unconfined Modulus of Subgrade Reaction, k

Consistency Compressive Strength (kN/m3)
(kN/m2)

Stiff 100 to 200 27000

Very Stiff 200 to 400 27000 to 54000
Hard 400 and over 54000 to 108000

* The values apply to a square plate 300 mm x 300 mm. The above values are
based on the assumption that the average loading intensity does not exceed
half the ultimate bearing capacity.
104
Modulus of Elasticity of
Soil (𝐸𝑠) according to
AASHTO
Modulus of Elasticity of Soil (𝐸𝑠) according to AASHTO

N160
is corrected
SPT-N value
for overburden
pressure and
60% energy
application
Mat and superstructure
 Problems of mat foundation
• Overturning of high rise building at extreme wind load or EQ load
• Liquefaction of foundation soil (loose sand + non plastic silt)
during EQ
• Gradual tilting of building due to non-uniformity of soil under mat
• Overstressing and cracking of structural members due to
differential settlement of flexible mat
Laterally loaded structure
 Laterally loaded structure at liquefied ground

Reduced
Bearing
capacity
 Overstress due to differential settlement

Flexible mat
 Mat and superstructure

Loose/soft soil at one side

End