When should we use soil spring in computer model?

As a structural engineer, I am keen to estimate deflections and calculate effects of differential settlement on the superstructure. The choice to use soil springs is situation dependent. For example, 1. read more

We engineers us models to help simplify a problem. If you use a soil spring type analysis it's purpose should be to provide a simple accurate answer. In truth no one truly knows what the soil pressure unless it is field measured and then it is only accurate to the accuracy of the tools used to measure the the pressure. read more

What I need to know is what to use as spring stiffness when modelling the ground as spring supports. Spring stiffness is the load in kN needed for a certain deflection in metres. At least that is how it is input to my analysis program. The safe ground bearing capacity of the ground supporting my beam is 150kN/m2, which should limit deflection to 10mm. read more