Analysis of piled raft foundations with piles of different lengths subjected to horizontal and vertical loadings

Analysis of the behaviour of piled raft foundations subjected to horizontal and vertical loadings has been of particular interest in foundation engineering. The behaviour of piled rafts subjected to vertical loadings has been extensively investigated by numerous researchers. However, the behaviour of piled rafts subjected to horizontal loadings has not received much attention. When the raft is subjected to non-uniform loadings, the differential settlements and tilting will be of great importance. The use of different sizes of piles under a non-uniformly loaded raft can reduce the settlements and tilts. In this paper, Finite Layer techniques are used for the analysis of piled rafts. This technique accounts for the complex soil-structure interaction that governs the behaviour of the foundation and the lateral resistance of the soil on the piles and raft. The behaviour of piled rafts supported by piles of different lengths will be examined when the raft is subjected to both vertical and horizontal loads.