Application of the catastrophe theory in ascertainment of vertical bearing capacity of single pile

Purpose - Catastrophe theory can directly deal with discontinuity without any connection with the special inner mechanism, which makes it suitable for system research, whose inner action is unknown but outer one can be observed. There are many inner factors, which affect the bearing capacity of pile, it is different to ascertain bearing capacity of pile. The purpose of this paper is to present a new calculation method of bearing capacity of pile by the catastrophe theory. Design/methodology/approach - The cusp model of catastrophe theory and its expression are discussed in this paper. By means of mechanical model analysis, bearing capacity of pile is systematically studied coupling catastrophe steady mechanism with equilibrium conditions of single pile. The settlement of top pile is transformed into the normal form of cusp catastrophe. The relationship between the settlement of top pile and vertical bearing capability of pile is built. Findings - Vertical bearing capacity of single pile was deduced by means of energy principle and catastrophe theory based on settlement of critical instability of pile. Research limitations/implications - Accessibility and availability of the constitutive equation of concrete of pile and parameter are the main limitations which model will be applied. Practical implications - A very useful reference for design processes engineers. Originality/value - The estimated results of the example correspond to one of practical experience, which provides a basis for design of vertical bearing capacity of single pile.