Calculation of the elasticity or Winkler factor K from the plate test K30 according to Terzaghi (1955)

• Usually soil acts like an elastic material, with deformation proportional to the stress.
  
  
• The soil elasticity factor K not only depends on its characteristics, but the size and shape of the surface compressing it (foundation).
  
  
• It is possible to obtain the soil elasticity modulus from the K30 resulting of the plate 30x30 cm test, with the Terzaghi formulation.
  
  
• Programs simulate the soil behavior placing springs under the elements the foundation is divided.
  
  
• This program calculates the soil elasticity factor K for a specific foundation from the kind of soil and the foundation dimensions.
  
  

Parameters:
K30 =		Kg/cm3
Width b =		m
Length l =		m
% Sandy =		%
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Results:
Square foundation:
K 100% sandy soil =	3.7632	Kg/cm3
K 100% cohesive soil =	1.44	Kg/cm3
Rectangular foundation:
K 100% sandy soil =	3.3451	Kg/cm3
K 100% cohesive soil =	1.28	Kg/cm3
Real K =	3.2418	Kg/cm3

• Even though the Terzaghi method is not the most accurate, it has been selected here for being the more popular.
  
  

Version 17/10/2011