Physical model tests on load-sharing characteristics of piles and soils in pile- supported embankment

Based on the self-developed physical model test device, the model tests on the load-sharing characteristics of piles and soils in pile-supported embankment are carried out. Through the formation process of the differential settlement between the piles and the soils, the stress transfer laws of pile-soil under different fill heights are studied and clarified. The results show that the partial weight of the embankment above the soils between the piles transfers to the pile top so as to lead to the decrease of the vertical pressure between the piles and the increase of the pressure at the pile top. With the increase of the differential settlement between the piles and the soils, the change of pile-soil stress ratio shows a trend of rapid increase at first, then a slight decrease, and finally tends to be stable. Furthermore, with the increase in the height of embankment fill, the stable value of pile-soil stress ratio becomes large. The experimental results may provide a theoretical support for the design of pile-supported embankment.