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.

KEYWORDS:

• PRF
• V-H-M loading
• Lateral Responses
• Experimental investigation
• 3D FE analysis
• Load-sharing behaviour

Acknowledgements

The authors want to acknowledge the financial support received through the sponsored research project Grant Number YSS/2014/000613 from the Department of Science and Technology, SERB, Government of India, to the corresponding author for carrying out the research work presented in this paper.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board [YSS/2014/000613].