Experimental study on deformation of sandy soil around bucket foundation under horizontal load

The deformation features of sandy soil surrounding bucket foundation significantly affect their bearing behavior in terms of horizontal loading. To investigate the interplay system between bucket foundation and soil, this research integrates a model test system into particle imaging velocimetry, with the intention of exploring the deformation and bearing features of the soil surrounding one single bucket and a group of two buckets in horizontal loading. It indicates the following. (1) The soil displacement field (DF) surrounding the single bucket is divided into an active area, passive area, transition area, circular disturbance zone, and translational zone formed inside the bucket, accompanied by a soil arching effect. (2) The form of shear action is upward and downward pressure in front of the bucket wall, and the angle between the shear band and the bucket wall decreases gradually with the increase in the density of sands. (3) As the aspect ratios decrease, the shear action changes from upward and downward pressure in front of the bucket wall towards pressure on two sides of the bucket wall. (4) The group efficiency increases in approximately linear manner as the space-diameter ratio increases, and decreases gradually as the sand density increases.