Enhancing Geotechnical Performance: A Comparative Study of Pile Raft and Pile Bent Solutions for Soil Improvement

Abstract

To address the challenges posed by weak subsoil conditions in infrastructure development, this study systematically compared the efficacy of two prominent soil improvement methodologies, Pile Raft and Pile Bent, within the context of a highway project. With settlements, stability, and structural integrity at the forefront, this study pursues insights into the short-term and long-term performance, construction timelines, and environmental considerations associated with each method. Employing a robust methodology, soil characterization based on borehole results informs finite element modelling using the Plaxis 2D software. Pile Raft, utilizing a 12-meter mini pile length, demonstrates commendable short-term and long-term safety factors of 1.94 and 1.91, respectively, with associated settlements. Pile Bent, featuring a longer 30-meter pile length, boasts a notably shorter construction time of 60 days, presenting a time-saving advantage. Despite a lower short-term safety factor of 1.32, the pile bent exhibits controlled settlements in both the short and long terms. Environmental constraints such as landslides and tool stability underscore the unique challenges associated with each method. These findings provide crucial insights for geotechnical engineers, enabling informed decision making based on project-specific priorities and constraints. This research contributes to the continuous refinement of soil improvement practices in highway projects, advocating further exploration and field validation.