Nonlinear analysis of lateral load sharing response of piled raft subjected to combined V-L loading

Abstract

Piled raft is the most desirable foundation option in the recent era for offshore and onshore structures which are often exposed to combined vertical and lateral (V-L) loads. Due to the scarcity of literature, this study aims to comprehend the response of the piled raft foundation (PRF) under combined vertical and lateral loads. A series of laboratory experiments and finite element analysis has been executed on a two layered soil profile. The lateral response of PRF and the piles attached to PRF are evaluated under combined V-L loading action and the consequences of the pile positioning on lateral load capacity are observed. From the structural point of view, bending moment and shear force are also estimated and the lateral load sharing between the raft and the piles are evaluated. The results attained from the tests indicate that the presence of vertical load has both positive and negative impact on the lateral load capacity of PRF depending up on the soil profile. A nonlinear multiple regression (NMR) analysis is also performed for the lateral load sharing behaviour and some empirical formulae are proposed to identify the lateral load sharing ratio which will enhance the design of PRF under combined V-L loading.