An investigation of effect of modulus of subgrade reaction on mat foundation design

A major problem is to estimate the numerical value of modulus of subgrade reaction, ks in mat foundation design. Accuracy of analysis of the elastic foundation depends on our ability to define the modulus of subgrade reaction of the soil, which depends on the width and the shape of the loaded area, the depth of the loaded area below the ground surface, the position on the mat and time. In this study, the effects of modulus of subgrade reaction on mat foundation design is investigated. A mat foundation model is analyzed by SAFE with using different design parameters. The results of the analysis are examined and results are illustrated by figures. The relations between the subgrade modulus and load, thickness of slab and spans of columns are investigated.Keywords: Modulus of subgrade reaction, subgrade models, mat foundations, elastic foundations.