Research on optimum design method of cushion thickness in composite foundation under rigid base

At present, the cushion thickness of composite foundation under rigid base is mostly selected by the experience of the engineer, which is of great arbitrariness. In order to improve this problem, the optimum design method of cushion thickness is proposed by theoretical research. First, the stress diffusion line in the cushion is assumed to be a quadratic curve, and the critical diffusion thickness of the pile top stress is obtained. Then, by analyzing the relative deformation between soil and pile, pile top penetration into the critical cushion thickness is proposed. Finally, based on the relationship between stress ratio of pile to soil and cushion thickness, the calculation method of optimum cushion thickness is put forward. The application of engineering cases shows that the proposed method has better calculation results, which attests to the correctness of the method. The method can be used for the optimal design of cushion thickness of single-type-pile or multi-type-pile composite foundation.