Numerical analysis of the effect of underpass construction on an existing bridge foundation

Abstract

Micropiles are used effectively in many ground improvement applications, such as increasing soil bearing capacity, reducing the settlement of existing foundations, strengthening existing foundations, and reducing lateral soil movement due to arching. In this research, the micropiles, a geotechnical supposed solution, have applied to maximize the benefit for all the mentioned features. The frictional resistance between the surface of micropiles and the surrounding soil is considered. Besides, the effect of the micropiles network is considered as a possible means for improvement. We have examined a case study in which micropiles of400 mm diameter and 13.00 m length were used to improve the bearing capacity of soil underlies the existing bridge foundations, reduce their settlement, and decrease the side-support system’s deformation. The models created for this study were used to simulate the proposed geotechnical solution.