Performance evaluation of piled rafts in sand based on load-sharing mechanism using finite element model

Abstract

ABSTRACT Three-dimensional finite element simulations are carried out to investigate the influence of pile spacing, pile length, pile configuration and raft thickness on the performance of piled rafts embedded in sand subjected to vertical load. Results confirm the enhancement in load carrying capacity of piled raft due to the increase in pile spacing, length, number, and raft thickness. In addition, the influence of overlapping pressure bulbs of piles and raft on the load carrying capacity of the piled raft is studied in detail. It is found that the piles carry about 40-60% of the total applied load irrespective of their spacing and length. Significant reduction in pile load proportion is observed within the initial settlement range of the raft i.e. up to 0.4% of the raft width. Furthermore, the typical behaviour of the pile in terms of shaft resistance and tip load is presented in a comprehensive manner.