Analytical Solution for Predicting Uplift Bearing Capacity of Branch Pile

The branch pile is a potential regnant choice of anti-floating measures in underground structures, however the theoretical solution suitable for the uplift bearing capacity (UBC) of branch piles is lacking at present. To better direct the design of foundation using branch piles, it is necessary to develop a new theoretical theory. In this paper, systematically theoretical, experimental and numerical research were carried out to investigate the UBC of branch piles. First, the mechanical equilibrium analysis of the bulb under limit state under uplifting was carried out and a theoretical solution of UBC of branch pile was established based on the framework of existing theory. Second, the theoretical solution was used to analysis the UBC of branch piles in test. Comparisons between analytical and tested results were performed to check the accuracy of the proposed solution in prediction of UBC of branch pile. Last, numerical model was established and then used to verify the effectiveness of proposed method in predicting the bulb’s UBC. The relative errors between theoretical and tested results for the model test, reported model test and reported filed test were analyzed. It was found the proposed solution could effectively predict the UBC of branch pile and the bulb.