Finite element analysis of Funicular shell footing on Winkler foundation

  T.M.Prateek,  Dr. Vijay R. Rode

Shells, because of their curved topology, possess larger stiffness and strength compared to corresponding plane surface structural elements. This kind of form enables shells to put a minimum of material to maximum structural advantages. Shell footings have been found to be economical foundations in areas having high material to labor cost ratio. Shell footing has greater load carrying capacity compared with flat shallow foundations. Moreover, shells are essentially thin structures, thus structurally more efficient that flat structures. This is an advantage in situations involving heavy super structural loads to be transmitted to weaker soils. In the present study multiple Funicular shaped Shell Footings are investigated. For modelling of Shell structure and it’s analysis, a computer software, Staad Pro v8i is used. Funicular shell footings are generated in Staad Pro using 4 noded rectangular elements and soil is modelled as elastic springs in compression only with modulus of sub grade reaction taken as 12000 KN/m2/m. Complete parametric study is carried out for different cases of footings with different Shell rises, thicknesses and edge lengths.

Keywords- Funicular Shell Footings, Finite element analysis, Elastic Springs, Sub grade Modulus

Unique Identification Number - IJEDR2002058
Page Number(s) - 340-348
Pubished in - Volume 8 | Issue 2 | April 2020
DOI (Digital Object Identifier) -   
Publisher - IJEDR (ISSN - 2321-9939)

  T.M.Prateek,  Dr. Vijay R. Rode,   "Finite element analysis of Funicular shell footing on Winkler foundation", International Journal of Engineering Development and Research (IJEDR), ISSN:2321-9939, Volume.8, Issue 2, pp.340-348, April 2020, Available at :http://www.ijedr.org/papers/IJEDR2002058.pdf