Pile-Raft-Soil Interaction Study by Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

In the present work, a raft supported on a centrally located pile has been analyzed by through a Finite Element Model to predict the interaction behavior pile-raft and soil in piled raft foundation composite. Attempt has been made to study the effects of soil modulus, raft to pile width ratio, pile slenderness ratio and raft thickness on load sharing characteristics of piled raft foundation. Analysis showed an increase in axial load on pile with higher pile slenderness ratio for a fixed raft to pile width ratio. Whereas, higher raft thickness does not show much effect on load sharing. Side resistance along the pile length increased up to the critical depth of pile. Radius of influence of pile also seems to higher for higher pile slenderness ratios for a thinner raft.