Evaluating the Performance of Piled Raft Foundations on Soft Soil Using PLAXIS 2D

Abstract

A large number of building projects have been built on soft soil in recent years. Differential settlements can occur in structures built on soft soil because of its properties. The raft foundation is one way to lessen differential settling. It may result in excessive settling even when it has a sufficient bearing capacity. A piled raft foundation system is one that uses piles in conjunction with a raft foundation. The analysis of piled raft foundations in soft soil conditions presents a critical challenge in geotechnical engineering due to the complexities associated with soil-structure interactions and settlement behavior. This study employs PLAXIS 2D, a finite element analysis software, to investigate the performance of piled raft foundations subjected to varying load conditions on soft soil. The research aims to optimize the design by examining the contribution of piles to load sharing and settlement reduction. Key parameters such aspile length, pile spacing, and raft thickness are analyzed to evaluate their impact on the overall foundation behavior. Results from numerical simulations highlight the significant influence of pile arrangement and soil properties on the settlement response and load distribution efficiency. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the piled raft system, offering insights for the effective design of foundations in challenging soft soil environments, enhancing stability and reducing excessive settlement. Based on the permitted settlements, the ideal amount of piles for a piled raft foundation system must be taken into account for an economical design.