Bending Analysis of Circular Thin Plates Resting on Elastic Foundations Using Two Modified Vlasov Models

The influence of soil heterogeneity is studied on the bending of circular thin plates using two modified Vlasov foundation models. The model parameters are determined reasonably using an iterative technique. According to the principle of minimum potential energy and considering transversely isotropic soils and Gibson soils, the governing differential equations and boundary conditions for circular thin plates on two modified Vlasov foundations are derived using a variational approach, respectively. The determination of attenuation parameters is a difficult problem, which has hindered the further application of the Vlasov foundation model. The equation that must be satisfied by the attenuation parameter is determined, and an iterative method is used to solve the problem. A comparative analysis is conducted between two modified Vlasov models and the traditional Vlasov model. The results show that the governing equations and boundary conditions for circular thin plates resting on two modified foundations are consistent with those for a circular thin plate on traditional two-parameter foundation after degradation. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed solutions are demonstrated by comparing the obtained results with those reported in the literature. The heterogeneity of soils, including the transversely isotropic soils and Gibson soils, has a certain effect on characteristic parameters of the foundation models as well as the deformations and internal forces of circular thin plates. The present study could be employed as a reference for future engineering designs.