Analysis of the influence of the cross-sectional area of ​​precast solid square piles on the bearing capacity

In the field of foundation engineering, precast solid square piles are a commonly used pile type, and their design, construction and performance evaluation have always been the focus of engineers. Among them, the cross-sectional area of ​​the pile body, as an important factor affecting the bearing capacity, is not only directly related to the contact area between the pile body and the soil, but also further affects the overall stability of the pile and the safety of the project. This paper aims to deeply explore the influence of the cross-sectional area of ​​precast solid square piles on the bearing capacity, in order to provide theoretical support for related engineering practices.

1. Cross-sectional characteristics of precast solid square piles
Precast solid square piles, as the name suggests, have a square cross-sectional shape. This design is not only convenient for manufacturing and transportation, but also gives the pile body unique properties when subjected to force. The square cross-sectional shape allows the pile body to be evenly stressed in all directions, reducing the stress concentration caused by irregular shapes. In addition, the four right-angled sides of the square cross-section can also play a good role in squeezing soil when driving into the soil, which helps to stabilize the pile body and compact the soil.

2. Relationship between cross-sectional area and bearing capacity
The cross-sectional area of ​​the pile body is one of the most direct factors affecting the bearing capacity. Under the same material strength, the larger the cross-sectional area of ​​the square pile, the stronger its ability to resist external forces. This is because the increase in cross-sectional area means that the contact area between the pile body and the soil increases, which can more effectively disperse and transfer the load. When external force acts on the top of the pile, the larger cross-sectional area can reduce the stress value per unit area and avoid the pile body from being damaged due to excessive stress.

In addition, the increase in cross-sectional area can also help improve the bending and shear resistance of the pile body. Under the action of horizontal loads or wind loads, the pile body is prone to bending or shear failure. A larger cross-sectional area can enhance the stiffness of the pile body, enabling it to better resist these deformations, thereby maintaining overall stability.

3. Considerations in practical applications
Although the increase in cross-sectional area can significantly improve the bearing capacity of precast solid square piles, other factors need to be considered in practical applications. For example, geological conditions, pile length, pile type, and construction methods will affect the bearing capacity of the pile. Therefore, when selecting a pile type, these factors need to be considered comprehensively to determine the most suitable cross-sectional area of ​​the pile body.

In addition, it should be noted that an excessively large cross-sectional area may increase construction difficulty and cost. For example, in a narrow construction site or a complex underground pipeline environment, a larger pile cross-section may cause inconvenience to construction. Therefore, it is necessary to weigh the pros and cons during the design process to find the best balance point.