Model Test of Bearing Characteristics of Fly Ash Foundation under Cyclic Loading

Abstract

Based on the vertical cyclic model test of the cement-fly ash mixing pile (CFMP) composite foundation, the effects of different dynamic load ratios on the long-term bearing characteristics of the composite foundation were studied. From the perspectives of foundation cumulative settlement, dynamic stiffness, pile axial force, and pile lateral friction, etc., the bearing mechanism of the CFMP fly ash composite foundation under cyclic load was investigated. By virtue of the assay herein, the authors discovered that the cumulative settlement under different load ratios exhibited the “threshold effect”, which could be divided into the attenuation type and destruction type. When the peak value of the cyclic load was close to the ultimate bearing capacity, the dynamic failure of the pile foundation occurred. The cyclic displacement ratio ranged from 1.05 to 1.23, satisfying the relation of quadratic equation. The cyclic load settlement could be predicted by the static load displacement. During cyclic loading, the proportion of the pile side sharing the upper load decreased persistently, and the fatigue degradation of side friction resistance occurred. The degradation could be alleviated by reducing the water content of fly ash and taking waterproof measures during construction.