Determination of application limits of graph-analytical method of a single pile settlement calculation

The limits of application of the graph-analytical method for calculating the settlement of a single pile in a single-layer soil massif depending on the length and diameter of the pile are investigated. The graph-analytical method makes it possible to take into account non-linear work of the soil on the whole surface of the pile, exclusion from further work of the soil area along the lateral surface of the pile, where the ultimate strength of the soil was reached, mechanism of load distribution on the pile and friction reduction at the contact “pile–soil”. A comparative analysis of the results obtained by the graph-analytical method and numerical simulation performed in the Plaxis 2d software package was performed. According to the results of calculations, the graphs of dependence of settlements on loads were plotted and a comparative analysis of the character of deformation of the graphs, distribution of loads on the pile and values of settlements was performed. As a result, conclusions were drawn about the applicability of the graph-analytical solution for calculating pile settlements depending on their length and diameter, and recommendations were given for adjusting the design domain and pile load distribution to increase convergence with the numerical solution.