Numerical Evaluation of the Settlement Behavior of Shallow Foundations on Clayey Strata Reinforced with Piles

Abstract

This study investigates the settlement behavior of shallow foundations on clayey strata enhanced with pile inclusions under the raft foundation with two different pile diameters 1.0m, 1.2m and two different pile lengths 8m, 16m. Utilizing PLAXIS 3D software, it is conducted a comprehensive settlement analysis across three distinct soil profiles. Soil Profile 1 consists of clay having depth up to 6 m, underlain by 24 m of medium sand; Soil Profile 2 features clay up to 15 m with 15 m of medium sand below; and Soil Profile 3 consists of 30 m of clay from ground level. The analysis focuses on the variations in settlement of raft foundation with the application of pile inclusions, emphasizing their effectiveness in mitigating excessive settlement in clay-rich environments. Results revealed the significant differences in settlement response across the profiles, influenced by both the depth of the clay layer and the dimensions of the pile inclusions. The inclusion of piles substantially reduces settlement in all profiles, with larger and longer piles exhibiting greater efficiency in load distribution and soil stabilization. Detailed settlement plots illustrate the correlation between pile characteristics and soil stratification, providing insights into optimal design practices for shallow foundations on clayey soils. This research underscores the importance of installation of piles under the raft foundation, particularly in challenging soil conditions, thereby contributing to enhanced structural integrity and longevity in civil engineering applications.