Experimental study on piles as settlement reducers in modeled piled raft

This study examines the effect of piled raft and raft resting on pile reinforced sand. A total of 20 tests were conducted throughout the process. The 2 main experimental set up were carried out using rafts using varying number of piles, lengths and diameter. The results were compared with the results of free standing pile groups and plain raft to study the effects such as load settlement and stiffness. Relative density of the sand for the experiments was prepared to within 80-85%. The sand samples for all the experiments were prepared using the air pluviation method. The sand was first hoisted to a fixed height before being dispensed through the pluviation device. This method was relatively reliable as most of the relative density of the sand samples was within the desired range. Modeled piled raft or raft resting on piled reinforced sand were then assembled and installed before being subjected to a central loading using a hydraulic piston and jack. These set ups were all subjected to various load amounts until it was difficult to successfully complete a stroke using the hydraulic jack due to the reaction force exerted by the sand and raft. The settlement of the rafts was measured using 3 Linear Variable Differential Transformers. The applied load and settlement results were then plotted in a graph to better understand the data.Bachelor of Engineering (Civil