Modelling the behaviour of shallow foundation using beam on nonlinear winkler foundation

Performance-based design (PBD) provides an efficient, economical and robust design procedure to target specific levels of performance expected from engineered systems. The PBD will realize its full potential, if sufficient data on the expected seismic performance of structural systems and its components, foundations and supporting soil types are available. Observations from past earthquakes suggest that buildings on shallow foundations can perform well during strong earthquakes. In this study, the Beam on Nonlinear Winkler Foundation (BNWF) is used to model the soil nonlinearity. The response of a shallow foundation founded on dense sand, modelled using BNWF model is considered. The finite element results of the response of the foundation are validated using centrifuge test results. As part of the study, rotation, settlement, sliding, moment and shear force are evaluated at the base of the footing. The BNWF model predicted all the responses fairly well in comparison with the centrifuge results.