Mechanical Behavior of Model Pile with Multiple Stepped Two Diameters

A pile with multiple stepped two diameters showed higher bearing capacity than a conventional cylinder pile. In this paper, model tests were conducted to examine for the bearing mechanism of this pile. The purpose of this study was as follows. (1) To measure the load bearing characteristics of model piles installed a small load cell at the end of pile. (2) To observe the behavior of soil particles around the model pile after loading by excavating the suction applied ground, and comparing with the behavior of soil particles of model piles of longitudinally half-cut shape. (3) To measure load transfer characteristics by earth pressure transducers placed in the model ground in the loading tests. The same cases were analyzed by DEM (Distinct Element Method). As a result, it can be concluded that a multiple stepped pile shows higher bearing capacity because of the load transmitted from the convex parts to the outside diagonally.