Performance of Rectangular Footing on Loose Sand Reinforced with Micropiles

This study uses finite element analysis to determine the ultimate bearing capacity and the settlement of the rectangular footing reinforced with micropiles under concentric, vertical loads. The parameters varied were size of footing (2 m x 2 m-4 m x 2 m), the size of square micropiles (0.1-0.4 m), the length of micropiles (5-10 m), number of micropiles (8-16) and the distance between the edge of footing and micropiles (0.1-0.8 m). The study's results indicate that for all micropile spacing and micropile distances from the edge of the footing, the bearing capacity increases while the relative settlement decreases with micropile size. The results further revealed that the bearing capacity increases, and relative settlement decreases with increase in the number of micropiles around the footing. In comparison with rectangular footing, square footing has a higher bearing capacity. Further, the effect of length of the micropiles is linked with the edge distance and the size of micropile.