Settlement Estimation of Piled Rafts for Initial Design

Abstract

Systematic linear-elastic finite-element analyses were performed on a series of unpiled rafts (rafts without piles), pile groups, and piled rafts with different geometries and pile configurations to determine the stiffness of these rafts, pile groups, and piled rafts. Parametric studies were performed in conjunction with regression analysis based on which equations were proposed for quick estimation of piled raft stiffness by combining the stiffnesses of unpiled rafts and pile groups. The average and maximum settlements of piled rafts were calculated using the piled raft stiffness equations. The accuracy of the proposed stiffness and settlement equations was verified and validated against other numerical and experimental results of piled rafts. The study shows that the developed equations can be used to obtain a quick initial estimate of piled raft settlement that can be used in design. The developed settlement calculation method is applicable for piled rafts of shapes and sizes similar to those considered in this study.