Analysis and modelling of stiffened slab foundation on expansive soils

Abstract

Different methods have been used in the literature for analysis of residential footing slabs on expansive soils; some are adopted by local and international standards. This paper presents a comparison between: (1) Mitchell’s method, which is one of the most conventional and common design methods that is currently adopted by the Australian Standard AS2870; and (2) finite element modelling using a coupled flow displacement analysis performed by the commercial software ABAQUS. The comparison is presented for both footing edge and central heave scenarios. The results showed that the finite element method can reliably simulate the foundation behaviour of structures on expansive soils. Consequently, further application of the FE modelling can be used to explore existing limitations of current conventional design methods.