Experimental and Numerical Study of a Cone-Top Pile Foundation for Challenging Geotechnical Conditions
Zhussupbekov A. Sarsembayeva A. Bazarov B. Omarov A.
July 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Applied Sciences (Switzerland)
2025#15Issue 14
Featured Application: The proposed cone-top pile foundation system is particularly suitable for use in seismic zones, areas affected by underground mining, and soft layered deposits, where conventional shallow or columnar foundations are prone to excessive settlement and early failure. Its combination of a tapered conical base, central pile shaft, and rolling joint makes it an effective solution for critical infrastructure such as transmission towers, industrial facilities, and wind turbine foundations requiring enhanced load-bearing performance and strain accommodation. 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.
bearing capacity , cone-top pile foundation , hybrid foundation system , load–settlement behavior , soil–structure interaction , underground mining areas
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Department of Civil Engineering, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, 010008, Kazakhstan
Department of Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Shakarim University, Semey, 071412, Kazakhstan
Department of Civil Engineering, Karaganda Industrial University, Temirtau, 101400, Kazakhstan
Department of Civil Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering and Geodesy
Department of Civil Engineering
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