Field Tests and the Numerical Analysis of a Pile-Net Composite Foundation for an Intelligent Connected Motor-Racing Circuit

Abstract

In response to the problem of significant post-construction settlement that may occur in a motor racing circuit (MRC), two representative composite foundation testing areas, PHC pile (pre-tensioned spun high-strength concrete pile) and CFG pile (cement fly ash gravel pile), were selected for field tests to obtain the deformation law of pile–soil. Then, finite element numerical simulation was used to carry out back analysis on the geological mechanical parameters of the testing areas. The results showed that the error of soil settlement between the piles in the PHC pile and CFG pile testing areas were 8.2% and 9.6%, respectively, with good inversion precision. The obtained geological mechanical parameters can be used to predict the settlement of the rest of the MRC. On this basis, a finite element numerical model was constructed to analyze the bearing and deformation characteristics of the foundation of the MRC under five types of working conditions that may cause significant post-construction settlement. It showed that the settlement of the embankment was large in the middle and small on both sides after the consolidation of the embankment. The maximum settlement was about 27.0 mm, and the maximum longitudinal uneven settlement ratio of the embankment was 1.3/4000. The axial force of piles in the PHC pile and CFG pile composite foundations increased first and then decreased with depth. The maximum bending moment was located at the foot of slopes or at the boundary of strata, which was relatively small in the middle of the embankment. The deformation of the embankment and the bearing capacity of the piles could meet engineering requirements. This study has certain guiding significance for the design and construction of similar pile-net composite foundations.