Base Mat

Use the Base Mat form to define the size, thickness, soil modulus, and load and load size for a concrete mat.

Plan Dimensions.

- Along X Direction. The Left and Right Edge Distance edit boxes can be used to specify the extents of the slab beyond the outside grid lines. The Number of Spans and the Spacing edit boxes can be used to specify the grids in the X direction.
- Along Y Direction. The Top and Bottom Edge Distance edit boxes can be used to specify the extents of the slab beyond the outside grid lines. The Number of Spans and Spacing edit boxes can be used to specify the grids in the Y direction.

Load. Input Typical Point Loads at the grid intersections for dead and live load patterns in the units specified. The Load Size edit box can be used to define the size of the square used for punching shear calculations.
Properties. Input the Mat Thickness and the Subgrade Modulus in the units specified. Soil Modulus is input as Force/Length/Area.

TIP: The Calculator feature can be used to assist with mathematical operations during data entry. Place the mouse pointer/cursor in an edit box, hold down the Shift key and double click the left mouse button to access the form.

Access the Base Mat form as follows:

Click the File menu > New Model command to access the New Model Initialization form.
Specify the Units that will be used to save the model file, select the Design Code as appropriate, and add Project Information by clicking the Project Information Modify/Show button.
Click the Base Mat button.