GGU-SETTLE: Specify limiting depth (Ex. 2)

Calculating triangular foundations the program can determine the limiting depth using two different procedures. Select the menu item "System/Limiting depth".

Open

• "Limiting depth = profile base"
  The settlements are calculated to the base of the defined soil profile.

• "Limiting depth at p %"
  The settlements are calculated to a depth at which the overburden stress * p from the soil weight corresponds to the foundation stress, but not deeper than the profile base. If foundations are close to one another (e.g. with circular foundations), you should, additionally, activate the "% limiting depth for all foundations" check box, as otherwise too shallow limiting depths will be calculated. When determining the limiting depth with p %, any excavation unloading for the foundation concerned can be subtracted from the average foundation stress, which usually makes sense. More information on excavation unloading and global preload stress can be had by clicking on the "Info" button in the above dialog box. The limiting depth will be calculated in the centre of the rectangular foundation.

If the settlement is to be calculated outside of the foundation concerned, the limiting depth of the foundation which creates the settlement stress is also valid. Stresses above the foundation base generate tensional stresses and will therefore not be considered.