Numerical modeling the uplift bearing capacity of transmission line tower foundation on expansive soil

Abstract

To solve the energy shortage problem, transmission lines are widely built in the middle-west of China where the expansive soil is widely distributed. The transmission tower foundation may suffer wetting and shrinking load due to weathering. To solve this problem, consolidated undrained shear tests are conducted to obtain the mechanical behavior of expansive soil with different water content. The bearing behavior of pile foundation and plate foundation under uplift force are simulated by finite element method. The bearing capacity, axial force and lateral friction of pile foundation are analyzed. The bearing capacity of plate foundation is also investigated. These obtained numerical results can provide a good reference for the design of transmission line tower foundation when it is located in an expansive soil area.