ELPLA (ELastic PLAte) is a program for analyzing raft/ piled raft of arbitrary shape, variable thickness, and foundation depth with a real subsoil model.

Three known subsoil models for the analysis of raft/ piled raft (standard models) are considered. The subsoil models are the Simple Assumption Model, the Winkler Model, and the Continuum Model.

The mathematical solution of the raft is based on the FE-Method. The program can analyze different types of subsoil models, especially the three-dimensional Continuum model that considers any number of irregular layers in vertical and horizontal directions.

A good advantage of this program is the capability to handle the three analyses of flexible, elastic, and rigid foundations. In addition, the mesh of the rigid and flexible foundations can be constructed to be analogous to the finite element mesh of the elastic foundation. Therefore, the three analyses can easily be compared and correctly.

ELPLA can also be used for:

• Represent the effect of external loads, neighboring foundations, tunneling, and the influence of the temperature difference on the raft. 
• Analysis slab floor, plane frame, plane stress, grid, a system of many slab foundations, beam or grid on elastic foundation, rotational shell, axisymmetric stress, axisymmetric structures, and cylindrical tanks. 
• Design the raft, piled raft, and slab floor according to the ACI, EC 2, DIN 1045, and ECP.
• Dynamic analysis of structures.
• Determining stresses, strains, and displacements in soil.

ELPLA is a graphical software product. The common "what you see is what you get" in Windows applications makes it easy to learn how to use ELPLA. The new features and enhancements are the result of feedback from users over the last years.

The usage of the program is typically such that data files are created describing a certain problem by Data Tab, and then the project problem is analyzed by using Solver Tab. Finally, the results can be presented as a graphical drawing, graphs, and tables using the six separate command groups: Data, Results, Soil Data, Boring, Section, and List Groups in Results Tab.