REPRESENTATIVE MODULUS OF SUBGRADE REACTION FOR STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF INDUSTRIAL FLOOR SLABS – A CALIBRATION-BASED APPROACH

Abstract

<p>The Winkler model is the most widely used approach for the structural design of industrial floor slabs because of its simplicity and implementation in commercial software. However, selecting a representative modulus of subgrade reaction remains a major source of uncertainty. Conventional methods usually derive this parameter from predicted settlements or empirical correlations, although the primary objective of structural analysis is the determination of bending moments. This paper proposes a calibration-based methodology in which the modulus of subgrade reaction is treated as an equivalent numerical parameter rather than an intrinsic soil property. The representative value is obtained by calibrating the Winkler model against a continuum finite element model using bending moments as the calibration criterion. The methodology is illustrated through the redesign of an industrial floor slab and provides a practical and reliable basis for structural design.</p>