PERFORMANCE OF POST TENSIONED RAFT FOUNDATION

Abstract

This thesis contains numerical and analytical studies to investigate the performance of post-tensioned raft foundation to prove it as a better alternative to the conventional R.C system, especially for foundation in sever exposure conditions. The numerical analysis includes calculations of selected case study using the Finite Element Method for which a parametric study has been carried out to investigate the influence of different variables on the behavior of the post tensioned raft foundation. In order to evaluate the proposed alternative system efficiency, it was necessary to compare the PT raft design and results against conventional RC raft. The design was carried out for most widespread code ACI318, and extent to compare the design requirements and the design results with BS8110 and ECP203. A high performance of the post tensioned raft foundation is noticed for the Serviceability Limit States and Ultimate Limit States, in addition to profitable saving in the quantities especially for foundations of low rise buildings.