QUESTION ABOUT K ”modulus of subgrade”

I read few articles and books that describe this soil property. I don’t know if this could be even called soil
property since it’s a mathematical model which tries to imitate soil behavior under pressure. Anyway the
formula as we know it is k=pressure/settlement (kN/m2) / m.
As I understood, "k" only represents elastic behavior of soil which only happens for small deformation
(settlements).

Now this is where I get confused. Small deformation (settlements)? How small?

Many authors describe "k" as a tangent to pressure/settlement curve. Is this related to my previous
question?
I think it could be cause for small settlements the pressure/settlement curve is pretty much linear. But I
could be wrong... Which field or laboratory test could most accurately predict "k" value?

I’ve seen many graphs from Plate Load Test which is basically pressure/settlement graphs. Are they
reliable? I have many doubts here.
First of all, the pressure bulb from small plate and foundation are VERY much different. If the soil
properties don’t change with depth, then it’s ok.
Second, PLT is only for soils that don’t undergo consolidation! So only reliable for soils that only
undergoes instant settlement. No long term settlements!

I’ve found few formulas from "Bowels" that try to correlate bearing capacity and "k" value.
Can these be safely used while designing?
I’ve read also few forum discussions where experts say that "k" value should vary under a raft foundation
and that one value shouldn’t be used under the whole plate. I don’t understand this? Why?
If "k" is used based on the elastic behavior I don’t see any problem of using one value for design
process.

ANSWERS

1. You are correct regarding the plate load test. The pressure distribution is very different from
what you actually encounter under a foundation. You are also correct about “k”value being the
result of a mathematical model. As with many things in our field, the value of this number comes
from "empirical" correlations than anything else. Don't try too hard to understand it theoretically,
as you'll find out that it's just numbers that appear in tables as a result of a lot of scattered data
2. Since K changes with the pressure (nonlinear trend), the point is to select the value
corresponding to the applied pressure. This is simplified analysis that represents the soil
foundation under the raft with appropriate design value. Now like any problem
you can always go to more detailed analysis considering the facts you mentioned.
3. So basically one should define a value that will correspond to real future pressure that the
structure will engage on the soil under the foundation?
This could also be the explanation of the fact that k value shouldn’t be the same under the whole
foundation, which some authors are saying.
More k values should be defined which basically imitate different pressures under the
foundations. What do you think?
4. It is fine to spend great effort fussing about the meaning k value. However, it does not make a
big difference in the slab thickness. Philosophically, it's a spring constant representing the
stiffness of the soil. As soil1999 pointed out, it's nonlinear with applied load. It also needs to be
adjusted for the slab dimensions since tabulated values are normalized to 1 sq. ft plate load test.
5. I don’t understand "does not make a big difference in the slab thickness"?!
What you mean by this?
Are you saying that slab thickness won’t have impact on bending moment diagrams of the slab
and necessary reinforcement?
6. For combined footings/mats and also for lateral piles, changing the k value (vertical or lateral
subgrade modulus) by even 300% would do little to the maximum induced shear, moment, and
deflection.
Try it- get the Hetenyi equations and plot two cases - A mat foundation (or even a grade beam)
and then laterally loaded pier. In cases, foundation geometry and compressive strength of
concrete has more influence than the subgrade soil modulus value.
7. k value is the basis for the structural design of an industrial floor slab - something where there
will be point loads, rack loads and the like. k value is not a proxy for bearing pressure. k is a
surrogate to evaluate the elastic response of soil to applied loads. Problem is you are dealing
with an elastic response in the very near surface of the soil profile (i.e., within the first couple of
feet).
I've always used correlations between CBR and k. I typically use the ACI guidance for k atop the
sub-base, which allows some increase to the soil's k-value depending on the thickness of stone
base atop the soil subgrade.
Yes, there are crazy folks in structural engineering that love "k" so much they want to find such a
value for deep seated soil behavior. Some even refer to "long-term" k-values. This is poppycock!
An industrial floor slab is designed as a beam on an elastic foundation (well that was prior to
computer modeling). When a load is applied to this beam, there will be load spread within the
beam and load transfer from the beam to the elastic soil. What happens in the soil? What
happens in the beam, what reinforcing is needed? These are structurally controlled by the
materials and the k-value.
Foundation design includes some component of material strength and reinforcing - for sure! It's
just the load transfer from the foundation to the soil is not a point load, is uniformly distributed
immediately below the foundation and the soil strength is mobilized to much greater depths.
These depths may influence more than one soil material and these soil responses will vary. A
simple "k" value cannot address these details - and shouldn't be used!

8. Could software like PLAXIS be used to predict modulus of subgrade reaction under raft
foundations?
Basically user would need to model raft geometry, load it and then analyze stresses under the
raft with similar settlement which can then be grouped and then used for modulus estimation (i
said grouped since K value is never the same under a raft)
Can anyone respond maybe regarding PLAXIS usage?
Questions to geotechnical experts. When testing soil samples is there any test that could be used
to determine K value? An pressure-displacement diagram like in plate load test should be
needed or this also isn’t a good indication...

9. I think you might get some helpful answers if you gave a specific example that you were trying
to analyze. Otherwise it's hard to give detailed advice because the questions are sort of jumping
around and are very general.
 (Note: In my statements below, K is related to overall modulus such as for mat design......not K 1
such as from plate load test used for pavement design).

Regarding Plaxis, you could use load/deformation results like you discuss to help define a K
value. But this would be going backwards......the point of a Plaxis analysis would be to get away
from the over simplified modulus based analysis.

Basically any test on soils that can correlate load to deflection can help with determining K. Most
of these would be field tests (Pressure meter, dilatometer, SPT, etc) although various lab tests
and empirical correlations could help.

Not sure this will help but what I frequently do when thinking about what modulus to use for a
mat, etc is: make a spreadsheet that has different square footing sizes going down the left
column (ex. 2' square, 5', 10', 25', 50'). Then across the top, label different columns with
different bearing pressures (100 psf, 200 psf, 500, 1000, 2000, etc). Run a bunch of settlement
analyses (such as schmertmann using SPT, cone, dilatometer, etc) and fill in the cells of the excel
table with the settlement that corresponds to each pressure/footing size combination. Then I
create another duplicate set of columns for each bearing pressure and in each cell of the table
calculate the associated modulus (i.e. pressure/settlement). This helps give me a good overall
feel for the scatter in K value based on different pressures and different sized loading areas.
Then I roll this around in my head to consider what value is appropriate and also provide the
excel file to the structural for a discussion on what we should use.

10. "But this would be going backwards......the point of a Plaxis analysis would be to get away from
the over simplified modulus based analysis."
Yes agreed. This would basically be like an simulation of an loaded raft in Plaxis.
One would first define structure geometry, material properties and then define soil properties (I
think PLAXIS soil models use E modulus, Poisson ratio, consolidation parameters...).
Second step would be to load the raft geometry with loads determined from analysis and design
software(software like ETABS, RISA, STAAD...)
Third is running the analysis in PLAXIS and analyzing results (settlements, pressures...). With
pressure-settlement values from PLAXIS users could define overall K modulus which varies under
the raft (something that I recently found out reading some research papers).
With these values user would go back to his analysis/design program and define K value under
the raft, run the analysis and design raft together with its superstructure.
You said:"But this would be going backwards......the point of a Plaxis analysis would be to get
away from the over simplified modulus based analysis."
I completely agree with you, but then how to design raft (required reinforcement) in PLAXIS?
Another understanding problem that I have is that loads determined of foundation structure from
programs like ETABS, STAAD all depend on the foundation behavior
.

Q>I know this question might be funny but i do not know the exact difference between subgrade
modulus and bearing capacity of soil. And how can we convert one to another.
In safe program, the subgrade modulus should be inserted or bearing capacit of soil?
A>Sometimes silly questions or questioning the status quo will produce great inventions. Think of
the person who questioned why not we get the photos immediately from a camera-which
resulted in Polaroid cameras-although it has become obsolete due to the invention of digital
cameras.
Coming to your question: Please note that the unit for bearing capacity is KN/m2, whereas the
unit for Subgrade modulus is kN/m3. It is also called as soil spring constant k =
Pressure/settlement. It is normally used to solve problems of beams on elastic foundation using
Winkler Model.
The allowable soil bearing capacity is the maximum pressure that can be permitted on foundation
soil with adequate safety against soil rupture or excessive settlement.
There is no reliable correlation between modulus of subgrade reaction and soil bearing capacity-
because they are measurements of entirely different characteristics of a soil. The k-value used for
floor-slab design reflects the response of the subgrade under temporary (elastic) conditions and
small deflections, usually 1.25 mm or less. Soil bearing capacity value (normally used to predict
and limit differential settlements between footings or parts of a foundation) reflect total
permanent (inelastic) subgrade deformations that may be 20 to 40 (or more) times greater than
the small deflections on which k-values are based.

I fully agree with the comments given by Er. drsmani over Modulas of Subgrade of Soil and
Bearing Cpacity of Soil.
If Unit of Bearing capacity of soil is Kg/cm2 then Unit of K value will be kg/cm2/ cm.
Bearing Capacity of soil means after the said value no increase of pressure will be sustained and
it is total faluire of strata. Graph totally break there. Hence safe bearing capacity is always
considered in design with a factor of safety over ultimate Bearing Capacity. For load bearing
structures like Column footings or any deep or shallow foundations which recieve pressure of
wider area and transfer to the soil through a rigd structure over a rather smaller area.
Modulus of reaction is a pressure sustained by a surface with respect to a unit settelment in its
top crust. Here no total faluire causes but with respect to a standard settlment pressure is
measured. and this value is used to measure the behaviour direct over the surface of structures
like pavemnets, subgrades , subbases of roads. It is very much may corelate with the CBR values
but not with the Bearing Capacity of Soil.

The modulus of subgrade reaction is a conceptual relationship between soil pressure and
deflection.

Recall from the plate load test being done during geotechnical engineering subject and available
in almost all soil reports.

The modulus of subgrade reaction k is slope of P vs. Delta graph.

Where,
P = load applied (kN/sqm) and
Delta = deformation (m).
Hence, unit of k is (kN/sqm)/(m). This is nothing but the stiffness of soil (Pressure required for
unit deformation) Many people give unit as kN/cu.m. which many times confuses. Hence, using k
in stiffness term always helps better understanding.

Though, modulus of subgrade reaction and bearing pressure is related to each other, there is no
definite relationship between them. The reason, soil and its properties vary from place to place,
there is significant effect on the type of soil in layers below etc.

However, J E Bowles has attempted to give a relationship which is

k = 40 x FOS x Qa,
where FOS is factor of safety considered in Bearing pressure calculation and
Qa is allowable bearing pressure.

Hope this explanation will help you.

Some times silly questions or questioning the status quo will produce great inventions. Think of
the person who questioned why not we get the photos immediately from a camera-which
resulted in Polaroid cameras-although it has become obsolete due to the invention of digital
cameras.

Coming to your question: Please note that the unit for bearing capacity is KN/m2, whereas the
unit for Subgrade modulus is kN/m3. It is also called as soil spring constant k =
Pressure/settlement. It is normally used to solve problems of beams on elastic foundation using
Winkler Model.

The allowable soil bearing capacity is the maximum pressure that can be permitted on foundation
soil with adequate safety against soil rupture or excessive settlement.

There is no reliable correlation between modulus of subgrade reaction and soil bearing capacity-
because they are measurements of entirely different characteristics of a soil. The k-value used for
floor-slab design reflects the response of the subgrade under temporary (elastic) conditions and
small deflections, usually 1.25 mm or less. Soil bearing capacity value (normally used to predict
and limit differential settlements between footings or parts of a foundation) reflect total
permanent (inelastic) subgrade deformations that may be 20 to 40 (or more) times greater than
the small deflections on which k-values are based.

The modulus of subgrade reaction is a conceptual relationship between soil pressure and
deflection.

Recall from the plate load test being done during geotechnical engineering subject and available
in almost all soil reports.

The modulus of subgrade reaction k is slope of P vs. Delta graph.

Where,
P = load applied (kN/sqm) and
Delta = deformation (m).

Hence, unit of k is (kN/sqm)/(m). This is nothing but the stiffness of soil (Pressure required for
unit deformation) Many people give unit as kN/cu.m. which many times confuses. Hence, using
k in stiffness term always helps better understanding.

Though, modulus of subgrade reaction and bearing pressure is related to each other, there is no
definite relationship between them. The reason, soil and its properties vary from place to place,
there is significant effect on the type of soil in layers below etc.

However, J E Bowles has attempted to give a relationship which is

k = 40 x FOS x Qa,
where FOS is factor of safety considered in Bearing pressure calculation and
Qa is allowable bearing pressure.

In SAFE program, you have to supply modulus of subgrade reaction as you are suppliying the
stiffness properties of soil.

Hope this explanation will help you.

Dear drnsmani and sspawar,

Let me first express my best gratitude to you and all the other sefinda friends for helping us by
giving good and clear responses to our questions.
Related to the previous question I have got another question. In CSI SAFE program, the soil
property defined must be subgrade modulus or bearing capacity. If subgrade modulus is needed
to be defined there, so how does the program calculates the bearing capacity needed for design
since as you said there is not a reliable correlation between these two.
With warm regards,
Motahare

Dear Er. Motahare,

In SAFE, you are supplying the stiffness of soil in terms of subgrade modulus.

At each node, the program then calculate the linear spring value (based on tributary area) to
perform the analysis.

Since, the entire founation is now resting on set of spring in both the directions, based on the
loading applied, the springs will deform. This deformation value is calculated. Based on this
value, the program will further calculate the bearing pressure below soil based on soil spring
stiffness and deformation obtained.

Hence, in SAFE, you need not supply any input related to allowable bearing pressure. In the
graphical output, you can very well see the pressure induced below the slab elements. This
bearing pressure you shall check with allowable bearing pressure of soil.
Regards,

Jignesh Chokshi

Dear All,

The bearing capacity is calculated based on shear failure criterion and also based
on settlement criterion and lesser of two is adopted as alowable sbc with a FOS.
In most soils ,I think it is the settlement criterion which decides the SBC vis-a vis
Local/General shear failure criterion

Kindly enlighten about:

i) IF Net SBC of soil is 10 T/m2 for isolated footings (permissible settlement=50mm)

FOS for SBC computation = 2.5

Value of subgrade modulus as per definition ,k= 10/0.050 = 2000 T/m3

As per Bowels k= 40*2.5*10 = 1000 T/m3

There seems difference in the two computations

ii) If shear criterion governs for deciding the SBC, then k canot be taken = Net SBC/settlement

kindly enlighten

regards

vikramjeet

Dear member

In SAFE No where you have an option of giving SBC of the soil,

In fact it is provided as Subgrade Modulus or Ks (stiffness of the soil)
This Ks is given by SBC by Settlement, in whick settlement is calculated by the the plate load
Test

MODULUS OF SUBGRADE REACTION (Ks)

The Modulus of sub-grade reaction is a conceptual relationship between soil pressure and
deflection that is widely used in the structural analysis of foundation members.

It is used for continuous footings, mats, and various types of pilings. The basic equation for Ks
when using the plate load test data is given by

Ks = q / d

The plot of q versus d from load tests shows non-linear variation. If this plot of curve is used to
obtain Ks, the value of Ks depends on whether it is a tangent or secant modulus and location of
the coordinates of q and d.

However, the other earliest method suggested by Terzaghi (1955) to evaluate the Ks for full
sized footings from plate load tests for different types of soil are
1) For footings on clay:
Ks = k1 B
2) For footing on sand (including size effects):
Ks = k1 [(B+1)/2B]2
3) For a rectangular footing on sand of dimensions B x mB:
Ks = k1 [(m+0.5m)/1.5m]
Where,
Ks = desired value for full-sized footings and
k1 = value from a 1 x 1 ft. square plate load test.

Vesic (1961) proposed that the Modulus of sub-grade reaction could be computed using the
stress strain modulus Es as,

Ks = Es / [B (1-m2)]

Comprehensive accounts of the evaluation of Modulus of sub-grade reaction from plate load
tests are given by Terzaghi (1955), Bowles (1977) and summarized by Nair (1974).

It is observed that k’s is not a unique property of the soil medium and the following factors
can affect the determination of K’s from a plate loading test.

a) Size of plate
b) Shape of plate
c) Embedded depth of plate

Vesic and Johnson (1963) have suggested an expression for the evaluation of k’s in terms of
Modulus of Elasticity Es and Poisson’s ratio ms as

k’s = [0.65Es / B(1- ms2)] [EsB4 / EIf]1/12

However, it has been found that the bending moments and the computed soil pressure are not
very sensitive to what is used for Ks.This is because the structural member stiffness is usually 10
or more times as great as the soil stiffness as measured by Ks.

Recognizing this, based on the suggestion given by Bowles (1977), the following method is
presented on the assumption that the allowable soil pressure is based on some maximum
amount of deformation (Si) including on a factor of safety (Fs).

Thus, the Modulus of subgrade reaction is

K’s = [(Fs)qa]/SI

For a settlement of 0.254m and factor of safety 3, Ks can be taken as

Ks = 120 qa kN/m3

Over the contract area, the value of Ks’ can be assumed to constant.The use of constant value of
Ks’ beneath mats and other footings (spread and combined) is usually adequate owing to the
effect of superstructure rigidity contributing to the foundation element and the fact that the
element Flexural rigidity (EI) decidedly predominates.

For some foundations such as those of oil and water tanks resting on ground the foundation
rigidity is often very low and it may be necessary to vary the ks’ values over the contract area to
obtain results consistent with field measurements (Bowles 1977).