Abstract:An active system-transfer scheme for pile foundation underpinning is proposed to address the challenges of pile foundation underpinning and disturbance to the superstructure during tunnel construction beneath an existing elevated ramp bridge of an urban expressway. The prestressed concrete pouring is adopted to support the columns and replace the beams, and the hydraulic jack is arranged to carry out two active lifting transitions. The construction process is divided into five phases of construction preparation, underpinned beam pouring, first system transition, second system transition and completion. Checks of bearing capacity and deformation are conducted for the underpinned beams, tie beams, and pier-underpinned beam interfaces. Stress, deflection and settlement responses during construction and temporary operation periods are verified with finite element simulation. After the project implementation is completed, the entire process of settlement and deformation can be controlled. The construction sequence and technical measures can effectively reduce the disturbance to the superstructures, offering the practical experience for pile foundation reinforcement and subsurface space development under similar complex conditions.