An approximate finite grid solution for plates on elastic foundations

Plates on elastic foundations have received considerable attention due to their wide applicability in engineering mechanics. In many engineering structures transmission of vertical or horizontal forces to the foundation is a major challenge. As a first approach to model it may be assumed that the foundation behaves elastically. For two parameter elastic foundations the model assumes that at the point of contact between plate and foundation there is not only pressure but also moments caused by interaction between the springs. In this study, the exact stiffness matrix of the beam element on two-parameter elastic foundation is extended to plates. Some examples of plates on two-parameter elastic foundation were solved by the finite grid solution. Comparison with known analytical solutions and other numerical solutions yields accurate results.