Analysis of building foundations on weak soils using FEM
Analysis of building foundations on weak soils using FEM

Summary/Abstract: The reinforcement of soil with concrete columns, as well as pile foundations, is commonly used in building construction, particularly in cases where weak soils are present. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the foundation of an engineering structure using two methods: pile foundations and soil reinforcement with concrete columns. While both methods are similar in terms of execution, they differ in their working characteristics and calculation approaches. The structure analysed was a multi-family building consisting of two residential sections connected by an underground garage. Numerical analyses were conducted using the Finite Element Method (FEM). The load-bearing capacity of a single pile was calculated directly from the results of CPTU soundings using the LCPC method. The analysis led to the design of 1,096 concrete columns with a diameter of 300 mm and a total length of 7,485.5 metres, as well as 334 foundation piles with a diameter of 500 mm and a total length of 3,305.5 metres. The difference in concrete volume is approximately 120 m³ in favour of the columns, which constitutes nearly 20% of the total concrete volume. The columns were primarily designed in concrete, which results in additional steel savings, as all foundation piles would require reinforcement.

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