The Effect of Helix Piles-Raft Foundation on Elastic and Consolidation Settlements in Tropical Fibrous Peat Soil

Abstract

This study investigates the performance of helix piles-raft foundation in tropical fibrous peat soil. Elastic bearing capacity of the foundation is represented by its stiffness to soil. Hence, we conducted the examination of helix pile-raft foundation stiffness to peat soil by using several analysis of Randolph and Wroth (1978), Richart et al. (1970), and Poulos-Davis (1980)–Randolph (1994). The analyses were adjusted and modified in order to accommodate the distinctive characteristics of helix piles such as radius and number of helices. The effectiveness of helix piles-raft foundation in reducing elastic and consolidation settlement in peat soil was examined. The results reveal that helix piles-raft foundation would reduce elastic and consolidation settlements. The number and size of helices affect significantly the stiffness of helix piles. Critical number of helix piles under raft foundation is found, depending on helices radius. Beyond this number, the helix piles would not affect the settlements of helix pile-raft foundation system significantly.