Model tests on piled raft subjected to lateral soil movement

Passive loadings due to lateral soil movement-induced activities are highly influencing the serviceability and safety of constructions. This research aims to investigate the influence of axial loads, sand density and the depth of moving soil on the lateral behaviour of piled raft under progressively moving sand. In order to achieve this goal taking into account the complex interaction effects of piles, cap and subsoil, a laboratory apparatus and small scale models have been designed and fabricated carefully to ensure a reasonable simulation of this geotechnical problem. It is found that the above parameters play an important role in the response of piled foundations. The value of soil displacement at which the measured moment reaches its ultimate value decreases as axial loads increase. Peak displacement of the raft has been found to be a function of soil density.