Code-Based Design and ANSYS-Ready Nonlinear Finite Element Modeling of Isolated and Raft Reinforced Concrete Foundations under ECP 203, ACI 318, and Eurocode 2

Abstract

This study presents a systematic computational framework for the code-based design and ANSYS-ready nonlinear finite element modeling of isolated and raft reinforced concrete foundations. Thirty base scenarios, comprising 18 isolated footings and 12 raft foundations, were designed according to ECP 203 (2018), ACI 318-19, and Eurocode 2 (EN 1992-1-1), yielding 90 code-specific design alternatives. Each alternative is documented through its geometry, materials, reinforcement, soil-domain dimensions, contact conditions, boundary constraints, and mesh specifications to facilitate reproducible ANSYS model construction. The design database demonstrates that code selection influences foundation thickness, reinforcement demand, material quantities, and governing limit states. For isolated footings, mean thicknesses were 397.22 mm for ECP, 441.67 mm for ACI, and 455.56 mm for EC2; corresponding mean reinforcement weights were 218.38, 166.12, and 182.91 kg, respectively. Flexure governed 43 of the 54 isolated-footing designs and 33 of the 36 raft designs, whereas punching shear and one-way shear governed selected alternatives. The resulting internally verified design database provides a traceable basis for subsequent nonlinear performance assessment under consistent modeling assumptions.