Numerical simulation study on bearing capacity of prefabricated foundation for paddy field transmission towers

A design method for prefabricated concrete foundations for paddy field transmission towers was proposed. The uplift and compression-bearing capacity of the prefabricated assembly foundation under the combined action of horizontal and vertical forces was studied using the nonlinear finite element method with incremental loading. The mechanical and deformation characteristics of the assembled foundation, cast-in-place foundation, and surrounding soil were examined under various load levels. The research indicates that, to lower the cost of prefabricated foundations, it is essential to first design a cast-in-place flexible foundation and subsequently divide it into prefabricated components. The designed prefabricated foundation can be prefabricated in the factory and assembled on-site, greatly improving construction efficiency. The bearing capacity under uplift and horizontal load, as well as under compression and horizontal load, both meet the design requirements. However, when subjected to uplift and horizontal loads, the ultimate bearing capacity of the prefabricated assembly foundation is 19.82% lower than that of the cast-in-place foundation; the maximum upward deformation of the foundation is 3.87% greater than that of the cast-in-place foundation; the soil heave displacement is 7.51% larger than that of the cast-in-place foundation; and the maximum stress of the main column reinforcement is 66% greater than that of the cast-in-place foundation. Under the action of downward pressure and horizontal load, the ultimate bearing capacity of the precast assembled foundation for uplift, the extreme value of foundation deformation, and the soil heave displacement are close to those of the cast-in-place foundation.