A novel settlement calculation method and engineering application of strength composite piles

As a novel type of pile foundation structure, the strength composite (SC) piles lack a settlement calculation method that accurately reflects the stress diffusion state within the composite soil mass. In this study, based on the multilayer theory, a settlement calculation formula for strength composite (SC) piles is proposed for homogeneous foundations, which accounts for the evolution of the plastic zone in the surrounding soil. This method is then extended to the settlement calculation of SC piles in layered foundations encountered in practical engineering. A corresponding calculation program is also developed. Through comparison with static load tests, recommendations are provided for the form of the soil modulus distribution around the pile and the value of the soil disturbance radius. Finally, the proposed method is applied to case studies of typical engineering sites. The results show that the calculated values agree well with the measured values in both trend and magnitude, reflecting the nonlinear bearing characteristics of the SC pile. The proposed method demonstrates broad applicability and satisfactory engineering accuracy.