Study of a multi-element composite foundation of concrete columns and sand columns

A physical model of a foundation system was developed and utilized to conduct model tests of multi-element composite foundation on concrete piles and sand columns. Some characteristics of multi-element composite foundation on concrete pile and sand columns were obtained, including the characteristics of pressure-settlement curves, pile-soil stress ratio, and load-sharing ratio of the columns and soil. Although the laboratory tests could not precisely describe the characteristics of multi-element composite foundation of concrete pile and sand column, they revealed the mechanism of multi-element composite foundation of concrete pile and sand columns qualitatively. It was concluded that a multi-element composite foundation of concrete pile and sand columns contributed more than a sand column composite foundation for improving the silty fine sand.