Application of a generalized subgrade model in the analysis of circular plates on elastic foundations

ABSTRACT: A new rigorous and adjustable, yet quite handy, continuum foundation model recently proposed by Worku, the senior author, without neglecting any stress, strain, or deformation component in the subgrade is utilized to analyze circular plates on elastic foundations. The governing differential equations for the case of axisymmetric loading are solved for two variants of the model: Winkler-type and Pasternak-type models. Closed form solutions are presented for different loading conditions on small and large circular plates. The finite-element-based software PLAXIS 2D is used to calibrate the presented model variants by seeking agreement with respect to the maximum deflection. Numerical examples are solved to demonstrate the performance of the models. The outputs show that the proposed models are suitable to conduct analyses of plates and beams efficiently.