Analysis of load sharing behavior for piled rafts using normalized load response model

The behavior of piled rafts is complex because of the combined nature of raft and piles that behave as a unit. For the optimized design of piled rafts, it is important to properly evaluate and consider the load sharing behavior between raft and piles, which varies non-linearly with settlement level. In the present study, the load response and load carrying capacity of piled rafts are investigated focusing on the non-linear load sharing behavior of piled rafts. A settlement-based load sharing model for piled rafts is proposed using the normalized non-linear load-settlement relationship with consideration of piled-raft interaction effect. According to the proposed load sharing model, the load sharing ratio alpha(p), decreases as settlement increases with rates depending on the load capacity ratio. The values of alpha(p) are higher for higher load capacity ratios. To check the validity of the proposed load sharing model, centrifuge load tests are conducted. The values of alpha(p), calculated from the proposed load sharing model are in close agreement with measured values. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.