COMBINED PILED-RAFT FOUNDATIONS BEHAVIOR

Abstract

Combined pile-raft foundations (CPRFs) have become a prevalent foundation solution in contemporary civil engineering due to the rise in high-rise construction. CPRFs offer advantages such as high load-bearing capacity and reduced settlements. However, their complexity requires thorough investigation for optimization through efficient numerical analysis methods. Parameters like pile diameter, length, quantity, and raft thickness, traditionally analyzed analytically, necessitate comprehensive consideration of interactions, often relying on approximations, creating uncertainties. This study evaluates CPRF tensile-deformation behavior through parametric investigation using numerical methods to discern the influence of pile diameter, length, quantity, and raft thickness on structural response to vertical and horizontal forces. Findings reveal pile diameter significantly dictates response to horizontal loading, while slenderness ratio governs response to vertical loading, with higher impact at increased values. Increased raft thickness leads to more uniform load distribution among piles and higher bending moments within the raft. These insights deepen understanding of CPRF behavior under various loading conditions, informing optimized design and construction practices in civil engineering.