Prediction of Load Transfers in Granular Layers Used in Rigid Inclusions Technique—Experimental and Discrete Element Method Analysis

The rigid inclusions technique is based on the use of a network of piles covered by a load transfer granular layer which allows the construction of roads, railways and buildings on very poor subsoil. Today, there are no relevant design methods able to predict the behavior of such structures due to the lack of knowledge about the load transfer mechanisms in the granular layer. Consequently, experimental works and numerical studies based on the Discrete Element Method were carried out. Both experimental and numerical results show that the granular layer can reduce greatly the surface settlement and the load applied to the soft soil. The numerical analysis shows that the load transfer mechanisms take place in a specific area located over the piles and is highly influenced by the rigidity of the soft soil. Thanks to the good agreement obtained with the numerical analysis, a prediction of the load transfer amplitude close to the description of Carlsson was proposed.