Three-dimensional finite element analysis of multi-element composite foundation

A numerical analysis is studied for examining a five-pile composite foundation (one CFG (Cement Flyash Gravel) pile and four cement-soil piles) based on a three-dimension model in this paper. By changing the values of the parameters, including the thickness and stiffness of cushion, the lengths and diameters of piles, their effects on the settlement and stress distribution of the composite foundation are revealed. The results show that the settlement is greatly affected by the length of the CFG pile, and thus it is safe to say that the CFG pile acts as the reducing-settlement pile, conforming to the design principle of a multi-element composite foundation. It is also demonstrated that the stress distribution is markedly affected by the variables of cushion.