Chapter 11.

Settlement of spread footing

In this chapter, we describe how analysis of settlement and rotation of a spread footing is performed. Assignment: Analyze the settlement of centric spread footing designed in last chapter (10. Design of dimensions of spread footing). The geometry of the structure, load, geological profile and soils are the same as in the last chapter. Perform the settlement analysis using the oedometric modulus, and consider the structural strength of soil. Analyze the foundation in terms of limit states of serviceability. For a structurally indeterminate concrete structure, of which the spread footing is a part, the limiting settlement is: sm,lim = 60,0 mm.

Scheme of the assignment analysis of settlement of spread footing Solution:

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For solving this task, we will use the GEO5 program Spread footing. We will use the data from the last chapter, where almost all required data is already entered.

Basic Input: The design of spread footing in the last task was performed using the standard EN 1997, DA1. Eurocodes do not order any theory for the analysis of settlement, so any common settlement theory can be used. Check the setting in the frame Settings by clicking on Edit. In the tab Settlement select the method Analysis using oedometric modulus and set Restriction of influence zone to based on structural strength.

Dialog window Edit current settings

Note: The structural strength represents the resistance of a soil against deformation from a load. It is only used in Czech and Slovak Republic. In other countries, the restriction of the influence zone is described by percentage of Initial in-situ stress. Recommended values of structural strength are from CSN 73 1001 standards (Foundation soil below the foundation)

In the next step, define the parameters of soils for settlement analysis. We need to edit each soil and add values for Poissons ratio, coefficient of structural strength and oedometric modulus, resp. deformation modulus.

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Table with the soil parameters Soil, rock (classification) S-F Sand with trace of fines, medium dense soil Slightly weathered slate Analysis: Now, run the analysis in the frame Settlement. Settlement is always analyzed for service load. Unit weight kN m3 Angle of Coeff. of Deformation Poissons internal structural modulus ratio friction Strength Edef [MPa] [] ef [] m 29,5 23,0 0,3 0,3 15,5 500,0 0,3 0,25

17,5 22,5

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Frame Settlement

In the frame Settlement it is also needed to input other parameters: Initial in-situ stress in the footing bottom is considered from the finished grade

Note: the value of in-situ stress in the footing bottom has influence on the amount of settlement and the depth of influence zone a larger initial in-situ stress means less settlement. The option of in-situ stress acting on the footing bottom depends on the time the footing bottom is open. If the footing bottom is open for a longer period of time, the soil compaction will be less and it is not possible to consider the original stress conditions of the soil. In Reduction coefficient to compute settlement, select the option Consider foundation thickness effect (1).

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Note: the coefficient 1 reflects the influence of the depth of the foundation and gives more realistic results of the settlement Results of analysis The final settlement of the structure is 16,9 mm. Within an analysis of limit states of serviceability we compare the values of the analyzed settlement with limit values, which are permissible for the structure. Note: The stiffness of structure (soil-foundation) has a major influence on the settlement. This stiffness is described by the coefficient k if k is greater then 1, the foundation is considered to be stiff and settlement is calculated under a characteristic point (located in 0,37l or 0,37b from the center of the foundation, where l and b are dimensions of foundation). If coefficient k is lower then 1, the settlement is calculated under the center of foundation. Analyzed stiffness of foundation in direction is k = 137,10 . The settlement is computed under the characteristic point of foundation. Note : Informative values of allowable settlement for different kinds of structures can be found in various standards for example CSN EN 1997-1 (2006) Design of geotechnical structures. The Spread footing program also provides results for the rotation of the foundation, which is analyzed from the difference of settlement of centers of each edge.

Rotation of the foundation principle of the analysis

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 Rotation in direction x : 0,75 (tan 1000) Rotation in direction y : 1,776 (tan 1000) Conclusion This spread footing in terms of settlement satisfies evaluation criteria. Settlement: sm,lim = 60,0 s = 16,9 [mm]. It is not necessary to verify rotation of this foundation.

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