Use of cement-treated sand to enhance the lateral capacity of pile foundations

Cement-treated sand is a material used for increasing the axial and lateral capacity of the ground around piles. Piles are commonly used to carry the axial load; however, in some structures, the lateral capacity of the pile is also important. This study investigates improving the lateral capacity of a single pile using cement-treated sand. Cement-treated sand was cast using high-early-strength cement, sand and limestone powder. Displacement-controlled lateral cyclic-load tests were performed on piles embedded in sand compacted to 70% of its relative density, and on piles embedded in cement-treated sand. The volume of cement-treated sand was varied to determine its effect on the lateral capacity of the pile. The flexural stiffness of the pile also affected its lateral capacity. The lateral capacity of the pile embedded in the cement-treated sand was five times greater than that of the piles surrounded by sand. The area and depth of improved ground around the pile strongly affected the increase in the lateral capacity of the pile. The results have indicated that the use of cement-treated sand can improve the lateral capacity of the pile and volume of the improved ground should be carefully designed, keeping in mind the ground conditions.