Abstract:Load transfer method is widely used in the analysis on the bearing capacity and settlement of foundation pile. The influence of pile diameter is considered in the traditional model through the theoretical formula derivation, and the concept of settlement calculation depth is introduced and the load transfer model considering the ultimate settlement depth of pile foundation is established. On this account, the influence of layered thickness (k) and the stress ratio (η) on the calculation accuracy of settlement is analyzed. The research shows that when the compression modulus of soil layer under the pile tip becomes small, the smaller layered thickness is needed for calculation. The setting of stress ratio has the obvious influence on the calculation of ultimate settlement depth. If the pile top settlement is the main concern in the practical engineering application, the appropriate stress ratio parameters should be selected according to the compression modulus of compressed layer. If the concern is the ultimate settlement depth, the selected value of stress ratio should be minimized.