Beam on Generalized Two‐Parameter Foundation

A method for analysis of beams bearing on a ground surface is presented. The method is based on treating the soil medium as a generalized two‐parameter model. The inputs required for the model are dimensions and material properties only, which usually are known before the analysis. This contrasts to other two‐parameter models in which the parameters are based upon assumed soil displacement distributions that may be difficult to predict before the analysis. Analyses show the new two‐parameter model can yield responses of loaded beams reasonably close to those computed by using continuum solutions or a finite element method.