Axisymmetric loading of an elastic-plastic plate on a general two-parameter foundation

The load carrying capacity and collapse scenarios for an infinite elastic-plastic plate resting on a two-parameter elastic foundation uniformly loaded on a small circular footprint are investigated in a general framework of stiffness and yield parameters. The present work extends the study already presented for a specific value of the Pasternak modulus and it allows the investigation of the influence of the stiffness property of the underlying soil and the amplitude of the loaded region on the load carrying capacity of the plate and the corresponding collapse mechanism. Moreover, the present analysis allows for the evaluation of the transverse deflection, slope, radial and circumferential bending moments, shearing force within the plate and the reactive pressure of the elastic subgrade at the onset of the plastic collapse together with their dependence on the foundation moduli. The effect of the ratio between negative and positive yield moments is also investigated. The amplitude and assembly of plastic regions at the onset of the plastic collapse are discussed in some detail.