The influence of the concrete strength is shown on Figure 2.1.

8, where is shown the validation

of the proposal based on proposal tw + 2 c. A set of 16 tests with similar geometry and
material properties was used in this diagram from the set of tests (Hawkins, 1968). The only
variable was the concrete strength of 19, 31 and 42 MPa.

1800

Force, kN

F
tw

1600
1400

Calculated strength, Eq. (2.1.6)

1200

Experiment
Concrete and grout
Concrete

1000

800
Prediction based on local and global deformation,
Eq. (2.1.20) and elastic deformation of the concrete block

600
400

Prediction based on local deformation only, Eq. (2.1.20)

200
0
0

0,1

0,2

0,3

0,4

0,5

0,6

0,7

0,8

0,9
Deformation, mm

Figure 2.1.9 Comparison of the stiffness prediction to Test 2.1, (Alma and Bijlaard, 1980),
concrete block 800x400x320 mm, plate thickness t = 32,2 mm, T stub length L = 300 mm
The stiffness prediction is compared to tests Alma and Bijlaard, (1980) in Figure 2.1.9. and
2.1.10. The tests of flexible plates on concrete foundation are very sensitive to boundary
conditions (rigid tests frame) and measurements accuracy (very high forces and very small
deformations). The predicted value based on eq. (2.1.7) is the local deformation only. The
elastic global and local deformation of the whole concrete block is shown separately.
Considering the spread in test results and the accuracy achievable in practice, the comparison
shows a sufficiently good accuracy of prediction.

2.12