Analysis on Load Transfer for Single Pile Composite Foundation under Embankments Based on Elastic Theory

A method to analyzing load transfer characteristics is presented for single pile composite foundation under embankment by means of elastic theory coupling with load transfer method. The pile and its above fill can be taken as a column with varied section area. The settlement of soil adjacent to pile caused by frictional resistance is calculated by Mindlin solution, and that induced by the filling load on the ground surface is calculated by Boussinesq solution. Non-linear springs are taken into consideration to simulate the character of pile-soil contact surface. A simplified calculation model for single pile composite foundation under embankment is then established. The pile-soil-cap-embankment interaction can be considered conveniently in this method. The correctness of this method was validated by pile efficacy of model test. The distributions of axial force, frictional resistance and displacement of pile and soil are then compared with those of piles under large area embankment.