Chapter II Calculation of the bearing capacity of a raft 2015/2016

Calculation of the bearing capacity of a mat slab

II.1. Behavior of a raft

A raft is a thick reinforced concrete slab, ribbed or not, located under all or part of
part of a building that rests on the ground.

The loads are thus distributed over a very large area in order to reduce pressures.
on the foundation ground.

The raft behaves like an inverted floor that is subjected to:

From vertical point loads (columns) or linear (walls) descending.
vertical carriers,

To a presumed upward vertical action from the ground

Evenly distributed over the entire surface.

II.2. Soil constraints

A raft being an expensive element, it seems wise to dwell on the sizes.

which condition its dimensions, particularly its thickness. It is therefore important to know,
with the greatest possible approximation, the distribution of stresses under the foundation,
since this constraint constitutes the load of the slab.

The contact pressure is the actual stress that the foundation exerts on the soil.
The inner face of the foundation applies a stress distribution on the ground that is well

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often is not uniform. This distribution varies significantly with the rigidity of the slab
and the foundation soil.
The classic formulas are developed for a foundation at ground level. In
these conditions, the constraints on the edges are infinite, which is not compatible with the
actual mechanical properties of a soil (figure 2). The elastic state does not therefore correspond

certainly not to reality. If we increase the overload P of the massif to the limit of
Due to the importance of the subsoil, there is a concentration of constraints at the center of the foundation.

The distribution then occurs according to a parabola. The theory of plastic states leads to the
notion of the critical static rupture load, as shown in figure 1.

1
qᵤ = c . Nc . Sc . ic + 1. Nq .Sq . iq + 2. B .N .S .
2

Figure II.1. Distribution of contacts during ground rupture (formation of plastic zones)

The factors N Nq and Nc depend only on the soil's friction angle,

friction between the foundation and the ground as well as the shape of the rupture surfaces
considered (Prandtl, 1920). The stress distribution shows finite values at
edges, values compatible with the mechanical properties of the soil. Note that the shape of the
the distribution curve of stresses, at the moment of plastic rupture, is just the reverse of
those provided by the Boussinesq formulas for an elastic medium. The elastic state
(Boussinesq) corresponds to the stresses in the central part of the foundation.

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The plastic state (Prandtl) provides the values at the edges, considering the limits.
compatible with lift. At the distance x from the axis of symmetry, the values of the stresses
according to Boussinesq and Prandtl must be equal (figures 2 and 3).

Figure II.2. Modification of contact stresses under a rigid footing according to

Boussinesq, due to the formation of plastic zones on the edges.

Figure II.3. Distribution of stresses under a rigid footing during the increase of the
charge.

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It appears from figure II.3 that the ground pressure depends on:

1. The magnitude of the surcharge (small surcharge, concentration on the edges: F 3.0 to 1.5;
large F1 surcharges, concentration at the center of the foundation). The normal case
corresponds to safety coefficients F in the range of 2 to 3, thus to
concentrations on the edges;
Much less of the nature of the terrain than previously thought; this as soon as the
the foundation is located at a certain depth. The influence of the depth of
foundations correspond to very little to that of a cohesion c for a foundation
on the surface. For usual foundations, the plastic zones under the edges are very
narrow;
3. The foundation depth (without cohesion at 0 on the surface). A surface foundation.
will present more quickly, at equal load, a parabolic distribution (Type A) than a
work founded in depth;
The angle of friction of the material.

Note that the distribution of stresses does not depend on the modulus of deformation Me.

Terzaghi showed (1955) that an infinite plate resting on an elastic medium was not
solicited only within a finite radius R by an isolated charge. Depending on the spans between supports, the

effects overlap or not. Tables have been drawn up for the usual characteristics of
allows for quickly establishing the tensions under the slab and at depth.

To take into account the influence of slab rigidity, Schultze introduces the factor K:
3
= 3 = [II.1]
12

In this formula:
The modulus of elasticity of concrete

It is the soil deformation module

l, b d, longueur, largeur, épaisseur du radier
3
= moment of inertia
12

K = 0: completely soft or underground (rock)

K =, rigid walls or deformable basement in the rigid elastic domain

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Figure II.4, providing an overview of the distributions based on the nature of the subsoil and of the
d
rigidity of the slab, was designed for= 1 10 and for usual values of and so on. (By
e

example, sand = 35°, c= 0 ; clay without neutral pressure = 15°, c=1 t/m2 ; l/b= 0.5 and F= 2.
The dissipation of stresses at depth for static loads occurs with a
sufficient approximation, according to Boussinesq's theory. The effect of dynamic load causes
the subject of studies in various institutes. The mechanical properties of the soil under the effect of vibration

are however still too poorly understood for it to be possible to specify at present the
the way in which dynamic origin constraints dissipate into the ground.

Figure II.4. Distribution of stresses under a circular foundation for l/b=0.5 and a
static breaking safety factor of 2 (according to Prof. E. Schultze).

II.3. General formula for the bearing capacity of raft foundations.

The ultimate bearing capacity (qᵤ ) of raft foundations can be determined by the
the same general equation used for shallow foundations (isolated or continuous) is
to say the theory of MEYERHOF or HANSEN

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1
qᵤ = c . Nc .Sc .ic + q. Nq .Sq . iq + . B .N .S .
2

N , N , N are bearing capacity coefficients;

Sc, Sq, S are the shape coefficients

I IQ, IC are the factors of inclination.

Bearing capacity coefficient:

Nq= tan2( 45 +∅ ) . .
2

Nc( Nq- 1 ) .cot∅

N = 2 . ( Nq+ 1 ) .tan∅

These values are provided in tables, either according to DTU 13.12 or Eurocode 7.

Geometric shape coefficients for foundations according to DTU 13.12.

Foundations
Form Factors Rectangular or square (B/L=1) Spinning Circulars
S (1) 1 - 0.2B/L 0.8 0.6 1
Sc 1 + 0.2B/L 1.2 1.3 1
Sq 1 1 1 1

drained condition, only

Table II.1. Geometric shape coefficients for foundations according to DTU 13.12.

The inclination coefficients:

2 2
2
iq I c
1 ,i 1

With: tilt of the load on the foundation relative to the vertical.

The ultimate residual bearing capacity is given by the formula:

qu(net)=u–q [II.2]

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The allowable residual bearing capacity is calculated using a coefficient of

security FS convenient.

● Raiders on clay soil:

The safety coefficient FSmust be greater than 3 under its own weight and under the
maximum operating charge ( FSfor G + Pmax. under extreme conditions FSis
price equal to 1.75.

Raiders on sandy ground:

For the most part of the working conditions, the safety factor is taken very broadly.

● Clay saturated with Фu= 0 and a vertical load:

Note NC= 5.14 , Nq= 1 , N = 0, the ultimate bearing capacity is given by:

qu= C . Nc. Sc. ic + q

PourFu= 0

Sc= 1 + 0.2

Sq= 1

Thus, the ultimate residual bearing capacity can be written as:

qu(net)qu-q = 5.14 . Cu. [ 1 +0.2 ] .ic –q [II.3]

For a safety factor of 3, the allowable residual bearing capacity is given by

the equation :

For sand deposits:

The allowable residual load-bearing capacity of slabs constructed on soils

granular, may be adequately determined from the penetration resistance
standard.

qad(net)( KN m2) =11.98 . N . [3.28 +1

].[] [II.4]
3.28 25.4

N: corrected spt resistance

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B : largeur de la fondation [m]

settlement in [mm]

When the width B is very large, the assumption that 3.28B + 1 ≈ 3.28B allows for
calculate the allowable bearing capacity using the following formula:

qad(net)( KN\m2) =11.98 . N . [ ] [II.5]

25.4

In these equations, the maximum absolute settlement of 25.4 mm and the differential settlement of
19 mm are for foundations on isolated footings, for slabs or dimensions B and
They are very wide, the maximum absolute settlement is 50.8 mm, thus the bearing capacity
residual admissible is given by the formula:

qad(net)( KN\m2) = 23.96 . N [II.6]

The pressure on the ground applied by the foundation can be expressed by:

q= . . Df [II.7]

With :Q : load due to self-weight and the operational load.

A: transverse section of the footer

In all cases, the pressure on the ground applied by the foundation must be less than the
allowable bearing capacity: q < q(net)

Q
Df
Poids propre = y

Figure II.5. Definition of net pressure due to a slab.

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The settlement of a foundation can be reduced by decreasing the pressures.

applied to the ground, this can be done by increasing the foundation depth Dfthis
the technique is very useful for foundations on soft clays or consolidation settlement
is very high. The average pressure applied to the ground is then calculated using the equation:

q= – . Df [II.8]

So that there will be no increase in the residual pressure of the ground on the ground.
foundation, it is necessary that:

Df= [II.9]
.

Dfis the depth of the compensated foundation. For a partially compensated foundation
D < Q A. The safety factor against soil rupture is:

qu(net)
FS= qu(net) = = II.10
q – .Df

For saturated clays (∅u= 0), this coefficient is given by:

5.14 .−0.2 ]
FS = [II.11]
– .Df

II.4. Calculation of the mat structure

The calculation of a raft foundation is difficult because the soil is not homogeneous and is not elastic, which means

to say that the distribution of contact pressures is complex.

Indeed, there are different calculation methods that mainly differ by the assumption.
on the rigidity of the slab:
Rigid slab methods,
Flexible approximation methods
Finite element methods,
Finite difference methods;

II.4.1 Conventional method of rigid slabs

The rigidity method can be explained in a sequential manner with reference:

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1. The radiator has a cross-section with dimensions B. ×L, the charges Q1, Q2, Q3are
the loads of the poles of the superstructure. Calculate the resultant of these loads:
Q = Q1+ Q2+ Q3+ . . . II.12

2. Determine the soil pressure (q) under the slab at points A, B, C, D... using
the equation of RDM:
. .
Q= ± ± [II.13]

With: A = B× L
The moment of inertia with respect to the x and y axes is given by:
3 3
Ix= B × L ; Iy= L × B
12 12
The moment with respect to the x and y axes is calculated by:
M x= Q . e y ; My= Q . ex

y' y
B1 B1 B1 B1
A B C D
Q9 Q10 Q11 Q12
B1
ex
B1
ey
E
L J Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 X
B1

B1
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
X'
I H B G F
(a)

FQ1 F Q2 F Q3 FQ4

I F
[Link] (modifier)
unit of length

(b)

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L’
d/2 d/2 d/2
d/2
L’’ L’’ L’’
d/2 d/2
d/2 d/2

b0=2L’+L’’ b0L' + L'' b0=2(L' + L'')

Figure II.6. Foundation by the conventional method of rigid slabs

exand eyare the eccentricities in the X and Y directions, they can be calculated by
using the new coordinates X' and Y':

1. 1+ 2. 2+ 3. 3+⋯
X' =

1. 1+ 2 2+ 3 3+⋯
Y' =

ex= X'− 2and ey=Y'− 2

1. compare the values of the ground pressures determined during sequence 2 with the
residual admissible pressure of the soil to verify that:

q≤ qad(net) II.14

2. Divide the slab into several bands in the two directions x and y. with B1the width
of each strip
3. draw the shear force (T) and bending moment (M) diagrams
for each band in both x and y directions

For the last strip in the direction of the x-axis, the average soil pressure is:

+
1
qof= II.15
2

With q1and qFthe soil pressures at points I and F as determined in sequence (2).
the total reaction of the pole loads on the strip:

Q = Q1+ Q2+ Q3+ ….

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This resultant of the pole loads will not be equal to ( qav.B1.B ) because the
shear between adjacent bands was not taken into account, for this the reaction of the
the sun and the loads of the poles must be adjusted:

. . 1+( 1+ 2+ 3+ 4)
Average weight =
2

Now the modified soil reaction is given by:

qav(modifiée) = qof. [ ]
. 1.

and the load modification coefficient for the poles is:

F=
1+ 2+ 3+ 4

Thus, the resulting modified loads provided by the poles becomes:

FQ1+ FQ2+ FQ3+ FQ4

The band concerned with this loading is shown in figure 2, now the diagram
Cutting efforts and bending moments can be represented.

These calculation steps are repeated for all the bands in both the x and y directions:

4. Determine the thickness of the slab by checking the punching shear condition.
5. From the moment diagrams of all the bands in a given negative,
deduce the maximum positive and negative moments per unit length, that is to say:

M’ =
Determine the steel section per unit length for a positive reinforcement and
negative.

II.4.2. Flexible Approximation Method

In the conventional method of rigid slabs, the slab is assumed to be infinite.

rigid, the distribution of stresses under the slab is uniform and the resultant of the forces
poles act at the center of gravity of the foundation

In the flexible method, the ground is assumed to be equivalent to a series of springs.

elastic. The elasticity of the springs is given by the coefficient ( k )

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To better understand this method, let there be a foundation of width B1and a

infinite length. This foundation is subjected to a concentrated force Q

According to the fundamental laws of RDM, the moment in all sections is given by:

2
M = EF. IF. 2

M: moment in every section

EFYoung's modulus of the foundation material

IFmoment of inertia of the cross-section of the foundation

3
1. ℎ
I F=
12

However: shear force = v

And: ground reaction = q

from where =q

(a)

(b)

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(c)

figure II 7 (a) principles of the rigid slab method

(b) principles of the simplified flexible method

(c) beam on elastic ground

The combination of the equations gives the equality:

2
EFIF. 2 =q

As the reaction of the soil is: q = − z. k’

k: stiffness coefficient (reaction modulus) (kN/m)3)

So:

2
EFIF. =2 z . k . B1

The solution to this last equation is:

z= − . (A'. cos + A’’. sine )

With A' and A'' two constants and a coefficient called elastic constant given by
the equation:

.
=
.

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This parameter is very important to decide if the slab is calculated by the method of
rigid panels or the flexible method. Indeed:

If the spacing between poles< 1.75 / B→ rigid method

The spacing between poles> 1.75 / B→ flexible method

To better understand the flexible method, it is very important to know how

evaluate the stiffness coefficient k of the soil.

If a foundation of width B is subjected to a uniform load q per unit of

on the surface, it undergoes a settlement∆The stiffness coefficient k of the soil is defined as being the
quotient of the load to displacement:
B
q

Figure II 8 definitions of the soil reaction module

k=
∆

The soil stiffness coefficient is not a constant specific to each soil. It depends
from several factors such as the dimensions B and L as well as the foundation depth Df

The value of the coefficient k has been studied much more by TERZAGHI (1955) and reported
by DAS (1984). According to this study, the value of k is directly obtained on site. In
Terzaghi effect used the plate test (0.3m× 0.3m) as a test to obtain the value of
k0.3then it relates this coefficient to the actual dimensions of the foundation (B×B ) like
suite :

Foundation on sandy soil:

+0
k = k0.3. [ ]2
2

k0.3soil coefficient obtained from the plate test

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k: foundation soil coefficient

Foundation on clayey soil:

k (KN/m3) = k0.3(KN/m3). [ 0.3( )

]
( )

For rectangular foundations:

× .(1+ )
k=
1.5

k(B.B)soil coefficient for a square foundation (B×B)

k(B.L)soil coefficient for a rectangular foundation (B×L)

This last equation shows that for an infinite foundation with a width B the
the coefficient is approximately equal to 0.6k(B.B), the two following tables show
some values of k0.3for sandy and clayey soils

Density Dry or wet sand Saturated sable

Furniture 8-25 MN/m3 10-15 MN/m3

Medium density 25-125 MN/m3 35-40 MN/m3
Dense 125 MN/m3-375 130-150 MN/m3

Table [Link] of the reaction coefficient of sandy soils.

Consistency of clays 2
u(KN/m ) k(MN/m3)
Farm 100-200 12-25
Very firm 200-400 25-50
Hard u> 400 >50
uSimple compressive strength

Table II.3. value of the reaction coefficient of clay soils.

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According to SCOTT (1981), the soil reaction coefficient k(0.3)can be obtained during the SPT test:

k(O.3)(MN/m2= 1.8N

N: corrected SPT value

Others have also studied the obtainment of the coefficient k, including VESIC (1961) who
proposes the following equation for continuous foundations:

12 . 4
k’ =B. k = 0.65 . .
. 1−

Or else:

12 . 4
k' = B . k = 0.65 . .
. (1− )2

with: Esmodule of YUONG of the ground

width of the foundation

EFmodule of YUONG foundation material

Ip moment of inertia of the cross-section of the foundation

vspoisson's ratio of the soil

For most practical calculations, the last equation is taken approximately.

equal:

k=
.(1− 2)

Now that the soil reaction module is determined, the following will present the
calculation method as proposed by the AMERICAN INSTITUTE COMMITTEE 436 (1966).
The approximate flexible method is based on plate theory. It allows for the evaluation
the effect of a concentrated load (moment, shear force, and deflection) due to a column on
an influence area around it.

If the influence zones of two or more intersecting poles overlap, the method of
superpositions of the diagrams are then used to obtain the moment, the shear force and

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the resulting movement at every point DAS (1984). Below are the different steps to
follow:

1. Either a total height of the foundation is evaluated in the same way as in the
rigid slab method.
2. Determine the flexural stiffness coefficient of the slab
EF. h 3
R=
12.(1−V 2F)

EF:module of YUONG of the foundation

VFPoisson's ratio of the foundation
3. Determine the effective rigidity radius

4
L’ =

k: is the soil reaction modulus. The influence area of the load from a column is
of the order of 3 to 4L.
4. Determine the moment in polar coordinates at a point due to the charge of the pole at
starting from the following equation:

1− . 2
MItangential moment = - [A1– ]
4 /
1− . 2
Mr= moment radial = - - [ vfA1– ]
4 /

r: radial distance from the pole charge

pole charge

A1A2coefficient given by the abacus 15 2

In the Cartesian system, the moment MXand MYobtained as follows:

Mx= Mtwithout2 + Mt. cos2

My= Mt . cos2 + Mtwithout2

5. Determine the cutting effort of a one-meter wide strip of the foundation due to the
charge of the post

V= - . A3
The variation of the coefficient A3with the report/The given by the abacus 1:

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AbqII.1. variation of A1,A2,A3with the report (r/L')

6. If the edge of the footing is located within the influence zone of the Column, calculate the moment and
the cutting effort on this edge, assuming that the slab is continuous. The moment and
The cutting effort is of the opposite sign to those already calculated.

II.5. Reminder about the slabs

The sizing of the slab must be such that the path of the forces of the
superstructure should be ensured, the internal efforts of the slab being determined by the balance of
left (or right) forces of any section.
The calculation in inverted floor is only valid subject to verification.
significantly the balance between the load descent brought by the superstructure and the
ground reactions under each pole.
A slab is a plate, an element generally rectangular, one of whose dimensions
(the thickness: ho) is low compared to the other two (plan dimensions, between support faces,
lx ≤ ly) carrying in two directions (supported on its four edges).

ho≥lx/30 for an insulated panel.

ho≥lx40

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A beam-slab is a plate with two substantially parallel free edges, spaced apart.
at least three times the thickness.
ho≥lx/20 for an insulated panel.
ho≥lx/25 for a continuous slab

Certain slabs resting on 4 sides are calculated as beam-slabs.

only on two sides. From a practical point of view, differentiation is done by calculating the
report
= lx/ly with lx ≤ ly

Yes ≤ 0.4 and if the loads are uniformly distributed, the slab (even resting on
4 sides) is calculated as a beam-slab supported in the direction of the small span;

Si0.4 ≤ ≤ 1 it is considered that the slab (resting on 4 sides) is effectively resting

on its 4 sides. At A, we must have the same deflection fx = fy. It results that Mx ≥ My
and that the main reinforcements are placed in the direction lx of the short span.

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The slabs have the same characteristics.

0 = μX∗ q∗ L2X
0 = μY∗ q∗ L2 Y
M0x, M0yThe maximum value of the flexural moment we are in the comparison aisle
the isostatic moment.

The coefficients x, and y, are given in table form, depending on

= Thus, the moments to be considered in spans and on supports are obtained from
of M0x, and of M0yaccording to the following rules

Moments in span:
For the edge panels: = 0.85∗ M0x
= 0.85∗ M0X
For the interior panels: equals 0.75∗ M0x
0.75∗ M0Y
Moment on supports:
For the end supports: = −0.30∗ M0x
= −0.30∗ M0X

For the interior supports: = −0.50∗ M0x

Table II.4 The bending moments developed at the center of the panel

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Thus, the calculation of the reinforcements is carried out as for beams, considering, according to

the two directions, strips (slices).

II.5.1. Thickness of the slabs

The thickness of the slabs must meet the minimum conditions defined for the plates.
These conditions often result in thicknesses that are too low. It is then necessary to define the thickness.

practice of the raft from the necessary height used to avoid having compressed steel.

In the case of a slab under the water table, the height defined previously must
also to be sufficient to ballast the building.

II.5.2. Calculation of reinforcements

The calculation of the reinforcements is done in the same way as for an isolated or continuous slab.
(beam-slab) loaded from the bottom to the top. However, be careful to properly place the steels in the
good sense (the stretched face of the slab is on top).

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