Abstract:
This study investigates the behavior and performance of a newly proposed cone-top
pile foundation designed to improve stability in layered, deformable, or strain-sensitive
soils. Traditional shallow and uniform conical foundations often suffer from excessive
settlement and reduced capacity when subjected to vertical loads and horizontal soil
deformations. To address these limitations, a hybrid foundation was developed that
integrates an inverted conical base with a central pile shaft and a rolling joint interface
between the foundation and the superstructure. Laboratory model tests, full-scale field
loading experiments, and axisymmetric numerical simulations using Plaxis 2D (Version 8.2)
were conducted to evaluate the foundation’s bearing capacity, settlement behavior, and load
transfer mechanisms. Results showed that the cone-top pile foundation exhibited lower
settlements and higher load resistance than columnar foundations under similar loading
conditions, particularly in the presence of horizontal tensile strains. The load was effectively
distributed through the conical base and transferred into deeper soil layers via the pile
shaft, while the rolling joint reduced stress transmission to the structure. The findings
support the use of cone-top pile foundations in soft soils, seismic areas and areas affected by
underground mining, where conventional designs may be inadequate. This study provides
a validated and practical design alternative for challenging geotechnical environments.
