Many structures are designed to rest on mat foundations, however, due to construction
difficulties associated with the existence of vulnerable neighborhood structures that may
have shallow foundations, designers rely on using a set of closely spaced piles to stabilize
the soil underneath the neighborhood structures. ln such case the mat may eventually be
constructed over these piles, and its behavior may be influenced by their existence.
The behavior of mat foundations supported totally on the soil and partially on an edge
pile system has: been investigated, Different soil subgrade reactions are taken into account
So as to, simulate soft, medium and hard soils. Moreover, different arrangements of piles
as well as pile source€ Of resistance are taken into consideration' Common solutions
proposed to. the problem by the designers are presented and evaluated. finally
recommendations for dealing with such difficulties are driven.