STUDY OF PILE CAP FAILURE TYPE DISCRIMINATION
The punching-span ratio of pile cap corresponding to this study is defined.Experimental test,finite element analysis and related theoretical analyses show that the punching-span ratio is the crucial factor determining the pile cap failure type.The relationship between beam-arch action and failure type in pile cap is determined,and the criteria for different failure types of pile cap are derived.It is concluded that the punching failure is the main failure type in current practical engineering.