A simplified nonlinear analysis method for piled raft foundation in layered soils under vertical loading

This paper presents a simplified nonlinear solution for piled raft foundations in layered soils under vertical loading. Based on the elastic–plastic analysis of a single pile in a layered soil, the shielding effect between a receiver pile and the soil is taken into account to modify the conventional interaction factor between two piles. An approximate approach with the concept of the interaction factor is employed to study the nonlinear behavior of pile groups with a rigid cap. Considering the variation of soil properties, the solution to multilayered elastic materials is used to calculate the settlement of the soil. The interactions between pile–soil–raft are taken into account to determine the stiffness matrix of the piled raft. By solving the stiffness matrix equations, the settlement and the load shared by the piles and raft could be obtained. Compared with results of the available published literatures, the proposed solution provides reasonable results.

cA simplified nonlinear solution is proposed to study piled rafts in layered soils.
► The shielding effect is taken into account to modify the interaction of two piles. Solutions to multilayered elastic materials are used to calculate the layered soils.
► The proposed method has the potential practical use for piled raft foundations.