Application of Quintic Displacement Function in Static Analysis of Deep Beams on Elastic Foundation

Abstract

Beams supported by elastic foundations are one of the complex soil-structure interaction problems that have been studied using the "beam on elastic foundation" concept. To support the loads, the structural foundation and the soil continuum must work together. The development of more accurate foundation model and simpler procedure are critical for the safety and cost-effective construction of such type of structure. Three nodded beams based on Timoshenko beam theory and workable approaches for analysis of beams on Winkler foundation are attempted in this study. For the present formulation, a Matlab code has been developed. The results are then compared to similar studies done by other researchers, which demonstrate a high level of agreement. Parametric studies are followed to determine the response to various loading conditions, boundary conditions, and foundation parameters. The present formulations, regardless of boundary conditions, slenderness ratio and modulus of sub-grade reaction, have a higher convergence rate. It functions smoothly and efficiently for thin to moderately thick beams. The influence of the soil coefficient on the response of beams on elastic foundations is typically greater than the influence of beam physical and material properties.