COMPUTER PACKAGE ON ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF CONTINUOUS FOOTING

Abstract

A computer package on the design of continuous footing based on the provision of Indian Standard Code has been developed in C language with graphic features which can be run in any PC system. The analysis of footing is carried out by finite difference method which is a powerful tool of numerical methods. This method provides adequate flexibility to account for stiffness variations of beam and soil along the footing length. The features of this package include : (i) Although the package is developed for analysis and design of continuous footing, but it can advantageously be used to analyse and design of isolated footings and combined footings also. (ii) Limit state design method has been adopted keeping the economy in mind. (iii) Options to choose grade of concrete, grade of steel, and to revise the design at various stage has been given to user to avoid the repetition of whole data feeding from initial stage of program. (iv) The user is guided by appropriate knowledge base on codal provisions and practices at various stages. (v) Footing design has been carried out by following the recommendations of Indian Standard Code of concrete. Graphical output on the screen enables the user to have a better understanding about the design dimension of member. (vi) Plan and sections of the footing and reinforcement detailing has been depicted using graphics. Using the program, a few numerical problems have been solved and the parametric results are presented to bring out the following : (i) Role of stiffness variations of soil and loading conditions on the final design of footing members. (ii) Role of varying .grade of concrete and steel on the final design of footing. (iii) Role of varying no. of nodes on the final design of footing. (iv) Role of varying the bearing capacity of soil on final design of footing. The results show that the package developed can lead to not only faster analysis and efficient design but also can educate the user on various codal provisions and practices on the design of continuous footing. (iv