Numerical Analysis of Vertical Bearing Behavior of Belled Pier Under Different Soil Parameters

3D finite element models of belled pier in the homogeneous stratum with different elastic modulus of soils, angle of internal friction and cohesion force. The vertical bearing behaviors of belled pier are analyzed when the variations of the above soil parameters are presented. The analysis shows that the ultimate bearing capacity is mainly composed of the tip resistance of belled pier. The soil modulus and the angle of internal friction can affect the pier vertical bearing behaviors greatly. And the affection of the cohesion is not notable. Thus the stiff stratum with great amount of soil modulus and the angle of internal friction should be chosen as the pier bearing stratum.