A Comparative Analysis of Fly Ash Enhanced Micropiles in Sustainable Foundation Systems

The construction industry is increasingly pressured to adopt sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact while ensuring structural integrity. This study investigates the comparative performance and sustainability of micro piles constructed with fly ash-enhanced grout mixtures (MFA) and conventional micro piles (MC). Fly ash, an industrial by-product is incorporated into the grout mixture to improve sustainability and enhance soil-structural stability. Comprehensive site investigations and numerical simulations were conducted to evaluate critical performance metrics, including Factor of Safety (FoS), deformation, settlement, and strain distribution, during pre- and post-construction phases. The results demonstrate that MFA systems exhibit superior performance, characterized by higher FoS, reduced deformation, and enhanced stability in settlement and strain profiles. These findings indicate that MFA delivers structural benefits and contributes to sustainability by utilizing waste materials. The study underscores the potential of MFA as a viable alternative to traditional micro pile systems, offering significant environmental and performance advantages. Further research is recommended to assess MFA systems' long-term performance and scalability in diverse geotechnical applications.