A field study on the load sharing behavior of a micropiled-raft underpinned by a waveform micropile

Abstract

A waveform microiple(WMP) uses jet grouting method to generate shear keys along the pile shaft for improving the shaft resistance and cost efficiency. In this study,field loading tests were performed in this study to characterize the load sharing behavior upon inclusion of a waveform micropile (WMP) in a group of four micropiled-raft. First, single-pile compressive loading tests were conducted on three WMPs and five Type A micropiles (MP). Subsequently, a group-pile loading test was performed on a piled raft comprising 2 × 2 MPs and a central WMP. The load–settlements, axial stiffnesses, and load transfer mechanisms of individual MPs were analyzed during the tests, including the short- and long-term effects of the axial stiffnesses of the MPs on the load sharing ratio of the micropiled-raft. The single-pile loading test results revealed that the shear keys along the WMPs caused its bearing capacities and axial stiffnesses to be 1.5 times and 2–5 times higher than those of MPs, respectively. In the micropiled-raft loading test, the load sharing ratios of the MPs increased with their axial stiffnesses, and the highest load sharing capacity was exhibited by the WMP, which constituted 30% of the total load and 2–3 times that of MPs. Moreover, the influence of raft on the load-sharing capacity should be considered as well.