A Numerical Study of the Behavior of Micropile Foundations under Cyclic Thermal Loading

Micropiles are small-diameter foundation elements that widely used in building refurbishment to reinforce existing foundations or provide new where access for construction is difficult. Thermally-activated (TA) micropiles could be useful as an efficient means of providing cost-effective ground-coupling when shallow geothermal energy systems considered rehabilitation. It well-established thermal activation pile results thermo-mechanical interactions between the and surrounding soil. These thermally-induced effects need examined ensure they do not adversely impact load transfer function micropile. Numerical analysis able produce reliable predictions behavior TA piles, this study applied technique examine cyclic micropiles, isolated groups. For situations study, it shown during activation, irrecoverable movements unlikely significant design terms, if initial mobilization shaft resistance low. Though stable, movement amplitudes large enough should design. The highlights changes stress can develop locked-in response long flexible these verified Further, spacing reduces, interference a loss heat exchange capacity per pile, which has groups micropiles. Therefore, offer secure ground coupling systems.