In-situ Full Scale Load Tests and Estimation Method of Pile Resistance for Nodular Diaphragm Wall Supporting High-rise Tower

Abstract

In recent years, the height and weight of buildings have increased; a trend noticeable especially in the central urban areas of Japan. Additionally, overturning moments from earthquakes and wind loads cause tensile and compressive forces to occur in pile and wall foundations. These situations result in the development of new types of foundations for high-rise superstructures. The nodular diaphragm wall is one type of such foundation; the nodular part is located at the middle depth. The study presented here was to evaluate the applicability of the nodular diaphragm wall for high-rise towers. A review of foundations similar to the nodular diaphragm wall was first made, followed by an outline description of the high-rise tower. The tension and compression load tests performed on the foundation elements are then presented, and finally a discussion of the design formula for the nodular diaphragm wall.