A Method for Reinforcing the Ground Adjacent to the Footing Using Micropiles

The in-situ application of micropiles has gradually increased in limited spaces of downtown areas because the micropile has various advantages, such as low vibration and noise and compact machine size. In this study, model tests were carried out to understand the reinforcement effect induced by the mechanical interaction between the micropile and soil. The micropiles were installed in the soil adjacent to footings. Factors such as reinforced range (W) with piles, spacing (S) between piles, the installed angle (θ) of piles, and pile length (L) were considered variables in the tests. The reinforced angle (θ) was a more critical factor than the others for restraining the settlement and increasing soil stiffness in the model test results. The reinforcement effect rapidly increased around the reinforced range (W) of 2B (B: the width of a footing), the reinforced angle (θ) of 45 ～ 75°, and the pile length (L) of 3B. Based on the results of the experimental analyses, the purpose of this study is to improve the reinforcement efficiency of micropiles by recommending the most effective pattern and design method for installing them.