• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2012

In this study, Pasternak foundation model, which is a two parameter foundation model, is used to analyze the behavior of laterally loaded beams embedded in semi-infinite media. Total potential energy variation of the system is written to formulate the problem that yielded the required field equations and the boundary conditions. Shear force discontinuities are exposed within the boundary conditions by variational method and are validated by photo elastic experiments. Exact solution of the deflection of the beam is obtained. Both foundation parameters are obtained by self calibration for this particular problem and loading type in this study. It is shown that, like the first parameter k, the second foundation parameter G also depends not only on the material type but also on the geometry and the loading type of the system. On the other hand, surface deflection of the semi infinite media under singular loading is obtained and another method is proposed to determine the foundation parameters using the solution of this problem.