Chapter 10.

Design of geometry of spread footing

In this chapter, we are going to show you how to design spread footing easily and effectively. Assignment: Using EN 1997-1 (EC 7-1, DA1) standards, design the dimensions of a concentric spread footing. Forces from columns act on the top of foundation. Input forces are: N , H x , H y , M x , M y . The terrain behind the structure is horizontal; foundation soil consists of S-F Sand with trace of fines, medium dense soil. At 6,0 m is Slightly weathered slate. The GWT is also at a depth of 6,0 m. The depth of foundation is 2,5 m below the original terrain.

Scheme of the assignment analysis of bearing capacity of spread footing Solution For solving this problem, we will use the GEO5 program Spread footing. Firstly, we input all the data in each frame, except Geometry. In the Geometry frame, we will then design the spread footing. Basic input In the frame Settings, click on Select and then choose nr. 3 Standard EN 1997 DA1. 1
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Frame Settings list Also select an analysis method in this case Analysis for drained conditions. We will not analyze settlement.

Frame Settings Note: Usually, spread footings are analyzed for drained conditions= using the effective parameters of soil ( ef , c ef ). Analysis for undrained conditions is performed for cohesive soils and short-term performance using total parameters of soil ( u , cu ). According to EN 1997 total friction considered is always u = 0 . In the next step enter the geological profile, soil parameters and assign them to the profile.

Table with the soil parameter

Soil, rock (classification) S-F Sand with trace of fines, medium dense soil Slightly weathered slate Profile Unit weight Angle of internal friction ef [] Cohesion of soil

[m]
0,0 6,0 from 6,0

[kN m 3 ]

cef [kPa]
0,0 50,0

17,5 22,5 2

29,5 23,0

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In the next step, open up the frame Foundation. As a type of foundation, choose Centric spread footing and fill in the dimensions such as depth from the original grade, depth of footing bottom, thickness of foundation and inclination of finished grade. Also, input the weight of overburden, which is the backfill of spread footing after construction.

Frame Foundation Note: The depth of the footing bottom depends on many different factors such as natural and climatic factors, hydrogeology of the construction site and geological conditions. In the Czech Republic the depth of footing bottom is recommended to be at least 0,8 meters beneath the surface due to freezing. For clays it is recommended that the depth be greater, such as 1,6 meters. When analyzing the bearing capacity of a foundation, the depth of the foundation is considered as the minimal vertical distance between the footing bottom and the finished grade. In the frame Load enter the forces and moments acting on the upper part of foundation:

N , H x , H y , M x , M y . These values we obtained from a structural analysis program and we can import
them to our analysis by clicking on Import.

Frame Load Note: For design of dimensions of spread footing, generally the design load is the deciding load. , However, in this case we are using the analysis settings EN 1997-1 - DA1, and you must enter the value of service load too, because the analysis requires two design combinations.

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Dialog window Edit load In the frame Material, input the material characteristics of the foundation. Skip the frame Surcharge, as there is no surcharge near the foundation. Note: Surcharge around the foundation influences the analysis for settlement and rotation of the foundation, but not bearing capacity. In the case of vertical bearing capacity it always acts favorably and no theoretical knowledge leads us to analyze this influence. In the frame Water enter the ground water depth as 6,0 meters. We are not going to enter a sand gravel bed because we are considering permeable cohesionless soil at the of footing bottom. Then open up the frame Stage settings and select permanent as the design situation. Design of dimensions of the foundation Now, open the frame Geometry and apply the function Dimensions design; with which the program determines the minimum required dimensions of the foundation. These dimensions can be edited later. In the dialog window it is possible to input the bearing capacity of foundation soil Rd or select Analyze. We will choose Analyze for now. The program automatically analyzes the foundation weight and weight of soil below foundation and determines the minimum dimensions of the foundation.

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Dialog window Foundation dimensions design Note: Design of centric and eccentric spread footing is always performed such that that the dimensions of foundation are as small as they can be and still maintain an adequate vertical bearing capacity. The option Input designs the dimensions of a spread footing based on the entered bearing capacity of the foundation soil. We can verify the design in the frame Bearing cap..

Frame Bearing capacity

Vertical bearing capacity: 97,7 % SATISFACTORY. Conclusion:

Rd = 545.22 > = 532.59 [kPa]

The bearing capacity of designed foundation (2,0x2,0 m) is satisfactory. 5

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