Abstract
An extensive study of the dynamic behavior of piled foundations with very short piles has been made by a series of centrifuge model tests and three dimensional finite element analyses. It was found from the model tests that the addition of very short piles to a piled foundation reduces, bending moments and shear forces of the piles at their head. It was also found from the series of finite element analyses that the earthquake response of a building is not affected very much due to the difference of the type of foundation (piled/piled raft) or of the connection condition of the pile at its head (rigid/pin). However, it was pointed out that the contribution of very short piles to the pile bearing shear forces is about 30 to 40 per cent and is found effective from the view point of earthquake resistance.
