Load Sharing and Carrying Mechanism of Piles in Non-connected Pile Rafts Using a Numerical Approach

The load response and carrying mechanism of piles in a non-connected piled raft foundation is a complex phenomenon due to complex soil-structure interactions such as interactions among piles, subsoil, cushion, and raft. The scope of this research includes four main components: (1) using 3D finite element modeling and verifying different models with centrifuge tests; (2) investigating the parameters affecting the axial stiffness of a non-connected piled raft; (3) investigating the influence of different parameters on the foundation settlement; and (4) devoting special attention to the mechanism of carrying and sharing loads as well as the load-settlement behavior of non-connected piled raft foundations, in comparison with connected piled raft foundations. Results of this research showed that in order to achieve optimal design, geotechnical designers should consider three major factors, including axial stiffness of non-connected piled raft, settlement, and stress along the pile length.