Analysis of Beams on Pasternak Foundation Using Quintic Displacement Functions

Beams supported by elastic foundations one of the complex soil-structure interaction problems and analysis carried out using the concept of “beam on elastic foundation” approach. The structural foundation and the soil continuum must act together to support the loads. Developing more realistic foundation models and simplified methods are very important for safe and economical design of such type of structure. In the present study, a first order continuity three nodded beam based on Euler–Bernoulli assumptions and a workable approach for the analysis of beams on Pasternak foundation is attempted. A Matlab code is developed for present formulation. The results, thus obtained, are compared with similar studies done by other researchers, which show very good conformity. Parametric studies are carried out to obtain response for different loading conditions, boundary conditions and foundation parameter.It is concluded that the present formulation has rapid convergence regardless of boundary conditions, aspect ratio and foundation parameters. It behaves extremely well for Euler–Bernoulli beams effectively and efficiently. The effect of the soil coefficient on the response of beams on two parameter elastic foundation is generally larger than that of beam physical and material property.