Optimised design of jet-grouted raft using response surface method

The use of jet grouting as a foundation supporting element has brought about the need to define the design strategies for jet-grouted raft (JGR) system which differs from the traditional raft design due to the effects of jet-grouted columns (JGCs). Paper tackles this important aspect by combining the previously defined design strategies on piled raft and JGC to achieve an optimised design of complete JGR system. Initially, a single JGC has been analysed by means of three dimensional finite element (3D FE) analysis accounting for the previously measured actual trial JGC's geometrical variation with depth. The image processing technique allowing the complex 3D FE modelling of JGC system is utilised and the results are validated by the back-analysis of the well-known experimental results reported in the literature. In a parametric study, extension of the numerical analysis to the complete JGR system is accomplished by considering the mutual interaction between the foundation elements. The effects of design factors that are interlayer thickness, JGC spacing and lengths on the design responses of vertical stresses, bending moments, average and differential settlements are presented. Response Surface Method is utilised in the multi objective optimisation analysis to present the optimised design solution by accounting for the design constraints previously defined for the considered factors and the responses. The significance of design constraints and their relative influences on the optimised design of JGR are finally discussed. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.