Development of new prediction model for capacity of combined pile-raft foundations

The complex soil-structure interaction factors to estimate load bearing capacity of a combined pile-raft foundation (CPRF) is scarce. A new prediction method is proposed to estimate both Ultimate Limit State (ULS) and Serviceability Limit State (SLS) bearing capacity of CPRF by evaluating the pile-raft and raft-pile interaction factors. The developed model is validated with available experimental results. The simplified expressions for the evaluation of load-sharing ratio and a mobilized factor of safety of CPRF considering the serviceability requirement of the structure are also proposed. It provides a simple design solution for CPRF subjected to vertical loading condition.