Finite Element Modeling of Innovative Shallow Raft Foundation with Granular Pile Anchor System for Expansive Clays

Abstract

Granular pile anchor foundations (GPAF) are considered a significant promising foundation system to alleviate the serious effects of changes in the volume of expansive soils that occur throughout shrinkage and expansion. In this paper, 3D finite element analyses are presented by applying PLAXIS software, which is carried out on a typical double-story building built over a GPAF system in expansive soil. An investigation on GPAF system is presented in terms of its resistance ability to the forces caused by the soil movement as a result of variant moisture and the effect of the resistance on the superstructure induced by the straining actions. The results indicate the significance of the GPAF system in restricting the soil movement with high efficiency, which results in a noticeable improvement in the building structural responses in terms of uplift forces, heave and induced deformations.