Abstract
Vertical loading tests were performed on the enlarged grouted base of nodular pile using pressurized sand tank for studying the effects of strength and diameter of enlarged grouted base on the pile bearing capacity. In the tests the failure of the enlarged grouted base tended to be “compression failure” when the strength of the base was low, and tended to be “splitting failure” when the strength of the base was high. When the diameter of the enlarged grouted base was large, the failure tended to be “punching failure” and/or “local compression failure” by the nodes, and the bearing capacity came down when the failure occurred by the upper node. To ensure the bearing capacity of nodular pile with enlarged grouted base, the strength of the base must be heightened in proportion to its diameter.
