Numerical Modelling of a Rock Socketed Pile Under Compression Loading

With the number of high-rise structures increasing day by day in metropolitan cities of most developing countries like India, the optimal choice of foundation is getting more attention. If the rock is available at reasonable depths and where the option of the open foundation is ruled out, the choice of engineers and consultants is to install piles in the rock so that the full structural capacity is utilized by mobilizing shaft and end bearing resistance. Rock socketed piles are bored cast in situ piles that are drilled and socketed into rock strata of adequate strength for a specific length (socket length) to achieve the design capacity. Several methods are available for evaluating the load-carrying capacity of these piles. As rock is a complex material, in addition to strength, several other rock mass properties like the influence of discontinuities also need due consideration in the design stages. In the present study, the influence of joints on pile performance is investigated using the finite element software, Plaxis 3D. Three-dimensional modelling is performed by simulating discrete joints as well as a jointed rock as a continuum. The performance of the rock socketed piles is discussed, and the results are systematically presented in this paper.