Load transfer mechanisms for capped and uncapped non-displacement piles above tunnels: a centrifuge modelling study

This paper presents results from geotechnical centrifuge tests of tunnelling in dry dense sand beneath loaded non-displacement piles, focusing on the effect of a pile cap (representative also of a raft or grade beam) in contact with the soil surface on load transfer mechanisms. Experiments included loading tests to ascertain the foundation capacity and load-displacement response in the presence/absence of an underlying model tunnel. Individual ‘reference’ pile response is compared for cases with and without a pile cap, including pile displacements and load distributions between the head, shaft, and base; the case of ‘friction’ piles with a compressible base are also considered. Results show that uncapped piles with relatively large service loads experience ‘geotechnical failure’ (i.e. large settlements or a significant increase in settlement rate with tunnel volume loss) in order to mobilise base or shaft resistance. Pile caps are shown to reduce settlements and prevent geotechnical failure of both reference and friction piles; they also improve the post-tunnelling foundation performance under loading. The paper provides evidence to enable engineers to consider the beneficial role of shallow elements in contact with the surface on the performance of pile foundations both during and subsequent to tunnelling.