Study on Numerical Simulation of Arch Mechanism of Bridge Pile Foundation

Abstract

Bridges are situated in a complex area with geological conditions that are challenging for engineering. It has been observed that certain pile foundations of bridges have been uplifted to varying degrees by up to 309 mm. This has a significant impact on the bridge’s operation and driving safety. The causal mechanism of the bridge pile foundation arch is analyzed through a theoretical analysis and a Plaxis 3D (v.2013) finite element software simulation. The influence of the ground stress and goaf on the bridge pile foundation under different working conditions is studied. The findings indicate that the uplift of the bridge pile foundation due to an equivalent ground stress is the largest, reaching approximately 300 mm in the bridge valley area. Additionally, the uplift of the non-bridge area in the goaf is greater than that of the bridge pile foundation. These results suggest that ground stress is the primary cause of the arching of a bridge pile foundation.