Mechanical Response and Numerical Simulation of Cement-Stabilized Marine Soft Clay Under the Static Press-In Piling Machine Loading

This study investigates the impact of the Static Press-in Piling Machine (SPPM) on marine soft clay foundations in the Ningbo area using model testing and numerical simulation. In marine soft clay areas, it is common to increase the bearing capacity of the foundation by curing the foundation prior to the deployment of the SPPM to prevent problems such as “trapping”. This research examines the relationship between the unconfined compressive strength and the ultimate bearing capacity of foundations reinforced with varying percentages of cement. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests and foundation bearing capacity model tests were conducted to establish the relationship between soil strength and foundation performance. The results indicate that the ultimate bearing capacity of the foundation increases linearly with cement content under the static load of the SPPM. Numerical simulations reveal that the SPPM’s long barge significantly affects soil stress distribution, emphasizing the need to incorporate these effects into the design of static pile systems.