Mat Foundations

Although the RAM Foundation module does not currently design them, mat foundations can be imported into RAM Concept to be analyzed and designed.

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	Mat foundations are modeled using the Layout – Foundations – Mat – Geometry command. An edge offset can be specified in the Mat Foundation Geometry Layout Mode to offset the foundation perimeter a specific distance from the input polygon. Mat foundations may be laid out anywhere on the floor, although the DataCheck will issue a warning if no columns or walls sit on the Mat foundation, or if the Mat foundation overlaps any existing Spread or Continuous foundations.

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Description

Mat foundations are modeled using the Layout – Foundations – Mat – Geometry command. An edge offset can be specified in the Mat Foundation Geometry Layout Mode to offset the foundation perimeter a specific distance from the input polygon. Mat foundations may be laid out anywhere on the floor, although the DataCheck will issue a warning if no columns or walls sit on the Mat foundation, or if the Mat foundation overlaps any existing Spread or Continuous foundations.

Through the Mat Foundation Geometry Layout Mode dialog, the following commands can be performed:

The top of a mat foundation can be raised or lowered from the Base or Story height by using the Foundations – Mat – Modify Elevation command. This is analogous to changing the elevation of spread and continuous footings.

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	After mat foundations have been laid out on a floor, the Foundations – Mat – Properties command is enabled. The Whole Mat option is used to assign properties to an entire Mat foundation. The Add option is used to layout a separate assignment polygon. This is useful for making multiple property assignments to a single mat foundation, or to assign one set of properties to multiple mat foundations by enclosing them in a large assignment polygon. When more than one Mat foundation property assignment overlaps a Mat foundation, only the last assigned property will be considered during analysis and design.

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Description

After mat foundations have been laid out on a floor, the Foundations – Mat – Properties command is enabled. The Whole Mat option is used to assign properties to an entire Mat foundation. The Add option is used to layout a separate assignment polygon. This is useful for making multiple property assignments to a single mat foundation, or to assign one set of properties to multiple mat foundations by enclosing them in a large assignment polygon. When more than one Mat foundation property assignment overlaps a Mat foundation, only the last assigned property will be considered during analysis and design.

Mat foundation assignments can have a top of slab (T.O.S.) offset specified which is relative to the nominal top of footing of the mat foundation perimeter to which it is applied. For example, if a Mat foundation has been lowered 6 inches, and a property assignment polygon is laid out on a portion of that mat foundation with a relative T.O.S. of 2 inches lower, that portion of the mat foundation that has the assignment laid out on it will be lowered a total of 8 inches from the base or story height.

Mat foundation properties are depicted on the screen by hatching patterns while in Foundation Layout mode, and are clipped to any mat foundations to which they apply.