Model Test Study on Bearing Capacity of Nonuniformly Arranged Pile Groups

Abstract The uniform arrangement of pile groups widely used in practice often causes obvious differential settlement of pile foundations. To decrease differential settlement of pile groups, individual piles nonuniformly arranged can be adopted. This paper presents a model test study on the bearing capacity of pile foundations under different pile arrangements. A versatile full-automatic loading system and data acquisition and analysis systems of the model test were developed. Using the model test setup, the response of a single pile subjected to axial load was clarified, and the reinforcing effect between an axially loaded pile and a load-free pile was then analyzed. Furthermore, model tests were carried out to assess the behavior of the pile groups composed of individual piles with variable length and diameter. For practical purposes, some suggestions on the nonuniformly arranged individual piles within pile groups were given to decrease differential settlement among each individual pile and make maximum use of the bearing capacity of each individual pile.