Working Mechanism of Pile Group with Different Pile Spacing in Dense Sand

Abstract

Complex interaction mechanism exists between the pile group and soil. To realize the pile-soil load transmission mechanism in detail, the failure pattern of pile groups installed in dense sand considering different pile spacing was investigated by means of laboratory experimental model test and three-dimensional discrete element method. The results suggested that the narrow pile spacing was beneficial to the development of the pile tip resistance, and it enhanced the bearing performance of the pile group at the initial stage of settlement. The pile spacing changed the shaft resistance pattern with modification of the strain energy mechanism released within the subsoil. The pile group with 6b pile spacing had higher composite group efficiency. A joint fan-shaped displacement zone was formed beneath the pile tip for the pile group with 3b pile spacing; this pile foundation presented the block failure mechanism. The sand displacement beneath the cap for the pile group with 6b pile spacing mainly located on the upper part of the piles, the sand displacement around both sides of the piles presented asymmetric, and a relatively independent fan-shaped displacement zone was formed beneath the pile tip.