Currently, RAM Elements allows spring supports to be assigned only at nodes. While this approach is suitable for simple models, it becomes impractical for projects where foundations, mats, slabs-on-grade, or other area elements require distributed soil support.

To represent a continuous foundation support, users must manually discretize the area, calculate the tributary area for each node, determine the corresponding spring stiffness, and assign springs individually. This process is repetitive, time-consuming, and increases the likelihood of modeling errors, especially when the mesh is refined or modified.

It would be highly beneficial to allow springs to be assigned directly to area (plate/shell) elements using subgrade modulus or distributed stiffness properties. The software could then automatically calculate and assign the equivalent nodal spring stiffness based on the element geometry and mesh.

For example, when modeling a mat foundation supported by a Winkler foundation, engineers should be able to assign a subgrade modulus (e.g., k = 25,000 kN/m³) directly to the entire foundation area. RAM Elements would then automatically compute the equivalent nodal spring stiffness based on the tributary area of each mesh node and update the values automatically whenever the mesh changes.