The Finite Elements Method (FEM) versus traditional Methods (TM), in the estimation of settlement and modulus of soil reaction for foundation slabs design on soils with natural or man-made cavities

摘要

Direct foundations with continuous elements, such as slabs, provide more advantages than direct foundations with isolated\udelements, such as footings, and deep foundations, such as piles, in the case of soil with natural or man-made cavities. The\udslabs are usually designed by two-dimensional models which show their shape on the plant, on a lineal elastic support,\udrepresented by a modulus of soil reaction. Regarding the settlement estimation, the following article compares the Finite\udElements Method (FEM) versus the classical Method (CM) to select the modulus of soil reaction used to design foundations\udslabs in sensitive soils and sites with possible cavities or collapses. This analysis includes one of these cavities in the design\udto evaluate the risk of fail.