Three Dimensional Analysis of Raft Foundation Rest on Homogenous Soil Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

The study includes analysis of Al – Samaraie Hospital raft foundation by the finite element method (FEM) using program package Fear 4.0. The analysis conducted on the foundation is resting on infinite, homogeneous, isotropic soil. In this study, effect of raft thickness, soil properties, modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio of soil are investigated. The most dominant parameters such as thickness of raft foundation, modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio of soil are graphically plotted against maximum displacements, maximum positive and negative bending moments (Mx, My and Mxy). The results showed that raft thickness and soil properties play a vital role in changing the values of maximum positive and negative moments (Mx, My) and maximum displacements, while their effect on maximum positive and negative moment (Mxy) can be considered as insignificant. Also, empirical equations have been developed to calculate maximum positive and negative bending moment (Mx, My) and maximum displacements beneath the raft. This is performed by the aid of statistical program (Statistic). The accuracy of the proposed equations was ranging between 92.7% and 99.9%.