Geometrically Non-Linear Analysis of Multi-Storey Buildings Supported on the Deformable Mass

Abstract

These studies compare results of settlements and efforts of multi-storey buildings supported by flexible shallow foundations. The soil is simulated by the Mindlin´s continuous numerical model and the Winkler´s discrete model. The building is modeled by finite elements using a static nonlinear geometric analysis. The building is connected to shallow foundations, which is simulated by shell finite elements, where membrane effects and for plate bending are considered. The soil representation follows two models: the Mindlin´s continuous model via boundary element method (BEM), and the Winkler´s discrete model. The insertion of the geometrically nonlinear formulation considers moderate rotations. These are considered to be sufficient for the building analysis. The building is evaluated by comparing the geometric linearity and non-linearity for several support conditions and the differences between efforts that appear especially in the first floors.