Optimizing the Unconnected Piled Raft Foundation for Soft Clay Soils: Numerical Study

Abstract

Over the past two decades, a number of researchers studied different aspects of the unconnected piled raft foundation (UPRF) system. In this system, a structural fill cushion is inserted between the raft and the concrete piles (PC) where the cushion transfers the loads from the superstructure to the piles. They showed that UPRF could increase the load-bearing share of the raft relative to that of the concrete piles, which leads to a favourable economic impact. Stone columns (SC) and deep-mixed columns (DMC) have also gained substantial popularity in the last few decades, and have shown pronounced success in substituting concrete pile foundations in numerous projects. This paper is an attempt to explore the viability of using SC and DMC in the UPRF system. Different column parameters such as material, stiffness, spacing, embedment length, configuration and raft thickness may affect the design considerations of UPRF systems. The current study investigates the effect of such parameters on the performance of the UPRF. In addition, two cushion alternatives were also studied: structural fill and EPS Geofoam. 3D finite element models of a 16-storey building on soft clay were used to compare the behaviour of different types of UPRF foundations embedded in different types of soft clays. A coupled hydraulic and mechanical model using the Modified Cam Clay soil model was used to model the soft soil.