Vertical load-carrying behavior and design models for micropiles considering foundation configuration conditions

In the present study, the vertical load-carrying behavior of micropile foundations with various configuration conditions was investigated based on results from model load tests. Considered configuration conditions included micropile inclination angle, spacing of micropiles, and types of micropile foundations. The ultimate load capacity of micropiles varied with installation angle, showing an initial increase and peak followed by a gradual decrease with further increase in installation angle. The ultimate load capacity of micropiled rafts was affected by both installation angle and micropile spacing. The load-carrying mechanism of micropiles for the inclined condition was proposed based on the decomposed axial and lateral load and resistance components. Using the proposed load-carrying mechanism and test results obtained in this study, the load capacity ratio for an inclined micropile was proposed. The group effect and interaction effect factors for group micropiles and micropiled rafts were proposed, respectively, all of which can be used to estimate the load-carrying capacity of micropile foundations. Field load tests were conducted and it was seen that estimated results using the proposed method were in good agreement with measured results. Additional comparison with case examples from the literature also confirmed the validity of the proposed method.