Dependence of ultimate bearing capacity and failure behavior of T-shaped deep cement mixing piles on enlarged cap shape and pile strength

A numerical investigation of the ultimate pile capacity (Q(ult)) and failure behavior of T-shape deep cement mixing (TDM) piles is conducted under equivalent volume. Physical model tests are conducted to verify the numerical findings. The results reveal that both the shape of the enlarged pile cap and pile strength play key roles. Sensitivity analyses indicate that the effects of cap shape and pile strength on the complex load carrying behavior of TDM piles are attributable to changes in failure mode, which depend on the mobilized skin friction and bearing of both the cap and pile body.