Scaled Modeled Tests and Finite Element Numerical Study on Lateral Responses of PRF System under V-H-M Loading

ABSTRACT Considerable research has been endeavoured to examine the responses of piled raft foundation (PRF) under gravity load. In reality, PRF often encounters combined vertical (V), horizontal (H) and moment (M) load simultaneously due to wind, earthquake and wave load along with dead load of the structure, and vertical soil pressure. Present study aims at a scaled-model test on the PRF subjected to V-H-M loads to investigate the lateral responses of PRF due to the interaction of loadings. The scaled model tests are conducted in Agartala sand with a relative density of 30%. Effects of relative stiffness raft with respect to soil, the length and spacing to diameter ratio of the pile, number of piles in a group and non-uniform pile length configuration on the lateral response of PRF are studied. Results indicate that the V load in V-H-M loading has a significant influence on the lateral response of PRF. Further, a substantial influence of other parametric variations on lateral response is also observed. Furthermore, a numerical model is also developed and validated based on experimental results that substantiate investigation on prototype foundation. Finally, the load-sharing behaviour of prototype PRF is also studied through the validated numerical model.