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Abstract

This paper deals with linear elastic behavior of deep beams resting on linear and nonlinear Winkler type elastic foundations with both compress ional and tangential resistances. The basic or governing equations of beams on nonlinear elastic Winkler foundation are solved by finite difference method. The finite element method in Cartesian coordinates is formulated using two dimensional plane stress isoparametric finite elements to model the deep beam and elastic springs to model the foundation. Two computer programs coded in Fortran_77 for the analysis of beams on nonlinear elastic foundations are developed. Comparisons between the two methods and other studies are performed to check the accuracy of the solutions. Good agreement was found between the solutions with percentage difference of 3%. Several important parameters are incorporated in the analysis, namely, the vertical subgrade reaction, horizontal subgrade reaction and beam depth to trace their effects on deflections, bending moments and shear forces.