On Foundations That React in Compression Only

Abstract

In this paper it is assumed that tensile stresses cannot be transmitted across the interface between beams, or plates, and their supporting subgrade. The subgrade is represented by models that were proposed by Winkler and by Reissner. The absence of tensile stresses, across the interface between a beam and its foundation, may be accompanied by the formation of no contact regions under the beam. Within those no-contact regions the beam lifts up away from its foundation and the subgrade does not support the structure. The development of no-contact regions is examined in several examples that are presented in this paper. In all the examples the structure, beam or plate, is subjected to a single concentrated load.