Numerical Study of the Load Transfer in Piled Raft Foundations

Abstract Piled raft foundations are a reliable solution for improving load distribution and minimizing settlement, particularly in soils where shallow foundations are inadequate. This study focuses on the performance of floating piled raft systems in sandy soils, where controlling settlement is critical. A calibrated three-dimensional finite element (FE) model was developed and validated using experimental load–settlement data to investigate the effect of key parameters, including the number of the pile and the stiffness of the piled-raft foundations. The results show that an optimal configuration of 10 piles achieves a balanced load-sharing ratio of approximately 50% between the raft and piles, which effectively minimizes the settlement without any unnecessary structural redundancy. Beyond this point, additional piles reduce settlement by only 3–5%. The stress distribution analysis highlights the importance of raft–soil interactions, while parametric studies demonstrate how pile numbering and piled-raft stiffness affect the performance of the foundations. This research reinforces the value of numerical modeling as a predictive tool and offers practical design recommendations for cost-effective and sustainable foundation systems in sandy ground conditions.