The effect of spudcan footprints on the vertical bearing capacity of adjacent pile foundations

It is well recognised that footprints are formed during the spudcan insertion process, which can have a negative impact on adjacent pile foundations.This research presents a simplified three-dimensional finite element model to analyse the effect of footprints on the vertical bearing capacity of adjacent piles in clay. The soil parameters around the footprint were obtained via a comparative analysis of the results yielded by the hole-edge stress theory, a triaxial unloading shear test and an unloading state model test. Based on the simplified three-dimensional finite element model, the skin friction resistance changes of piles under different footprint depths, footprint diameters, and dimensionless distances L/D were calculated. The results showed that the reduction rate of the skin friction resistance of the pile decreases with increasing L/D and increases with increasing footprint diameter and footprint depth. .