A Numerical Study of the Lateral Load-Sharing Mechanism of the Pile Cap in a 3 × 3 Pile Group
This numerical study utilizes a validated Plaxis 3D model calibrated against full-scale field tests to investigate the lateral load-sharing mechanism of the pile cap in a 3 × 3 pile group under horizontal loading. Numerical simulations calibrated against full-scale field tests reveal that the pile c...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Buildings |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/9/1431 |
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| Summary: | This numerical study utilizes a validated Plaxis 3D model calibrated against full-scale field tests to investigate the lateral load-sharing mechanism of the pile cap in a 3 × 3 pile group under horizontal loading. Numerical simulations calibrated against full-scale field tests reveal that the pile cap significantly enhances the lateral bearing capacity while reducing horizontal displacement by an average of 59.5%. The load-sharing ratio of the pile cap decreases from 62% at low loads to 50% at higher loads, with a corresponding increase in pile contributions. The decomposition of the pile cap’s resistance identifies passive earth pressure (<i>P</i><sub>C-E</sub>) as the dominant component (72–80%), followed by base friction (<i>P</i><sub>C-B</sub>, 15–18%) and side friction (<i>P</i><sub>C-S</sub>, 5–12%). According to parametric analyses, increasing the embedment depth (<i>H</i>) from 0.5 m to 3.0 m elevates the pile cap’s load-sharing ratio by approximately 60%, while expanding the cap width (<i>B</i>) from 2.5 m to 3.5 m enhances lateral resistance by increasing the contact area. A power function relationship quantifies the load-sharing ratio (<i>β</i>) as a function of the product of <i>H</i> and <i>B</i>. These findings provide critical insights for optimizing pile cap geometry and improving the design of laterally loaded pile group foundations. |
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| ISSN: | 2075-5309 |