Mat Foundation Design

[nbr1]

I have been provided a finite element analysis for a small mat foundation say 100ft x 25ft. The analysis indicates imposed stresses will typically be about 500 to 1000 psf over about 80-90 percent of the mat. At two locations, these stresses go up to about 2500 psf.

Should the design be based on an allowable bearing of 2,500 minimum or is there an averaging effect that should be considered??

I'm interested in approach, not necessarily solution to problem above.

 

[Ltwine]

Not to exceed allowable bearing pressure provided by your geotech, then you should be fine.

 

[rowingengineer]

what are you designing???

Arguing with an engineer is like wrestling with a pig in mud. After a while you realize that they like it

 

[paddingtongreen]

There must have been an input for the soil moduli, I imagine you have to provide a base that matches those moduli.

Michael.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

 

[apsix]

It does depend on the size of the higher stress locations.
For 1 m2 you could probably average it out, for 10 m2 probably not.

 

[ishvaaag]

And in any case there being understressed zones in the soil you can raise locally the stiffness to bridge the loads towards these less loaded parts of the ground. This may or not be reasonable and feasible following your case.