Abstract #
This study examines the prescription of Eurocode 7 in designing slab foundations. The calculations of the load-bearing capacity are made with two different methods, namely an analytical method and one using software programs such as GEO5 and Deltares. The primary goal is to benchmark these methods to identify differences and evaluate the reliability of the results. The research concludes that some design parameters, such as the angle of shearing resistance, significantly impact the final results, especially when exceeding specific thresholds.
Technical Relevance #
This document is crucial for geotechnical engineers and designers focused on slab foundations, particularly those working with or evaluating Eurocode 7 compliance in various software programs. The study provides critical insights into how different software tools interpret Eurocode 7 guidelines and highlights the implications of design choices on the safety and reliability of foundations.
Target Audience #
The document is intended for geotechnical engineers, researchers, and civil engineering students interested in foundation design, especially in the context of European standards. It is also valuable for professionals assessing the accuracy and reliability of different geotechnical software programs in the design of slab foundations.
Software and Methodology #
The study compares the analytical calculations based on Eurocode 7 with results obtained from GEO5 and Deltares software. These tools claim to adhere to Eurocode 7 standards, and the study benchmarks their performance against analytical calculations. The focus is on the load-bearing capacity of slab foundations under various conditions, analyzed through parametric studies and different soil models.
Process Description #
The research begins by defining a simple model of a slab foundation on homogeneous sandy clay, with specific boundaries for soil parameters. The study then performs a parametric analysis to evaluate the sensitivity of the load-bearing capacity to changes in soil parameters like cohesion and internal friction angle. The results from GEO5 and Deltares are compared to the analytical values to assess the consistency and reliability of the software outputs.
Main Findings #
The study reveals that while GEO5 consistently aligns with the analytical model (Eurocode 7), Deltares often produces more conservative results due to additional safety factors applied to soil parameters. Notably, the load-bearing capacity calculated by Deltares is generally lower than that by GEO5, especially when the internal friction angle exceeds 35 degrees. This indicates that Deltares is more conservative, particularly under specific soil conditions.
Practical Applications #
The findings are directly applicable to the design of slab foundations where compliance with Eurocode 7 is required. Engineers can use this study to select the most appropriate software tool based on the specific needs of their projects, balancing the need for safety and accuracy. The insights provided can help in understanding the implications of different design parameters on foundation performance.
Limitations and Considerations #
The study is limited to slab foundations made of reinforced concrete and assumes drained soil conditions. It does not cover the effects of horizontal loads or more complex soil behaviors like negative skin friction. Additionally, the study focuses on homogeneous soils and does not fully explore the effects of more complex soil profiles, such as layered soils with significant variability in properties.
Conclusions #
The research concludes that GEO5 is well-aligned with Eurocode 7 for designing slab foundations, providing reliable and consistent results with the analytical model. Deltares, on the other hand, offers a more conservative approach, which may be preferable in situations where additional safety margins are desired. The study highlights the importance of carefully selecting design tools and understanding their underlying assumptions and limitations to ensure safe and effective foundation designs.
Related Resources #
Further exploration can be done by reviewing studies that analyze the impact of horizontal loads on foundation design or comparing the performance of other geotechnical software tools under different conditions. Case studies that apply these findings to real-world projects can also provide valuable insights.
