Abstract:
Strip footing built over expansive soils may be subject to considerable upward movement, which can lead to undesirable structural cracks. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficiency of the use of micropiles surrounded by compacted sand as a strategy may be used with strip footing to increase resistance to upward movement caused by expansive soils. Series of numerical models have been developed using PLAXIS 3D and the necessary material properties and boundary conditions have been defined. The influence of micropiles surrounded by compacted sand, the active zone, and the expansion degree of expansive soils were evaluated and discussed. Findings show that the use of micropiles enclosed by compacted sand with a strip footing enhances the resistance against swelling pressure.
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