An Experimental Study on the Lateral Load-Carrying Capacity of Batter Micropile Groups in Soft Clayey Soil
摘要
Micropiles are slender and high-strength piles that are widely used in the construction industry for carrying load directly or for stabilization of soil. Structures supported on micropile foundations are often subjected to lateral loads and moments in addition to vertical loads due to earthquake, wind, earth pressure, water pressure, waves, etc. The vertical micropile groups have a lower lateral load-carrying capacity, so it may be designed as a batter micropile group to enhance the lateral loading resistance. The aim of this research work is to investigate the lateral load-carrying capacity of batter micropile groups constructed in a soft clayey soil bed having a water content 40% and unit weight of 18.35 kN/m3 inside a model test tank of dimensions 1 m × 1 m × 1 m. The micropile groups are constructed with a diameter of 20 mm and length 500 mm keeping length/diameter ratio constant for all the experiments. Boreholes are made by replacement techniques and cast in situ micropiles are constructed with a cement-sand ratio of 1:1.5 with a water-cement ratio of 0.45. A single 6 mm bar is used as central reinforcement. Four micropile groups are constructed at a spacing of 4.5 times the diameter of the micropile and at different degrees of inclination (outwards) with vertical micropile such as 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15°. Micropile caps are constructed and lateral loads are applied using a hydraulic jack and pressure gauge system and measured using a proving ring. The displacement of a micropile cap is measured using two dial gauges. Load–displacement graphs are plotted, and the lateral load-carrying capacity of batter micropile groups are determined. It is observed that the batter micropile group with 150 inclinations can carry 155% more lateral load than the vertical micropile group. Similarly two load tests are performed, one for a single vertical micropile and another for a footing without a micropile.