Study on Bearing Characteristics of Bored Piles in Coral Reef

The bearing capacity of bored piles has been extensively investigated, yielding numerous noteworthy findings. Nevertheless, the bearing characteristics of bored piles in the context of complex geological conditions, such as coral reefs, remain unknown. Consequently, this research undertook laboratory tests, field tests, and numerical simulations to examine the bearing characteristics of bored piles under coral reef geological conditions. The investigation encompassed an analysis of the impact of wall shapes on the side resistance of bored piles. Subsequently, the relationship between normal stress and shear force, as well as the mechanisms of interface failure, were examined under various operational circumstances. Moreover, the study examined the influence of combined load effects on the maximum vertical displacement of the pile, demonstrating that such displacement increases proportionally with horizontal load increments. This study not only establishes a theoretical foundation for the construction of bored pile foundations in coral reefs but also provides valuable insights for future projects involving the construction of cross-strait or island-connecting bridges under similar geological conditions.