<![CDATA[A foundation is a structural element that transfer a building’s load to the ground. A common type of foundation is a pile foundation combined with a pile cap. During construction, the pile position may be eccentric due to field conditions without requiring changes to the pile cap design. However, this eccentricity can change the distribution of forces in the foundation system, affecting the structure’s safety and stiffness. This problem often arises due to unsuitable soil conditions or physical constraints. Finite element software is used to model the behavior of the structure in various pile point eccentricity scenarios. Eccentricities beyond this require reevaluation of the pile cap design and the foundation system as a whole. This may include adjusting the number of points to ensure the reaction is correct. Aims: This study aimed to analyze the effect of shifting pile positions on the performance of foundation structures when the pile cap design remains unchanged. Methodology and results: The pile position eccentricity scenario was carried out in stages: 0 cm (control), 10 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, and 50 cm from the planned position. Simulation results show that, for eccentricity between 10 and 40 cm, the change in force distribution remains within safe limits (less than 20%). However, at an eccentricity of 50 cm, several piles showed an increase in axial force of up to 23.81% of the design value. Within certain limits, the pile point eccentricity is still acceptable without changing the pile cap design. Based on the simulation results, the safe tolerance limit for pile position eccentricity is up to 40 cm from the design position. Conclusion, significance, and impact study: Shifts beyond this limit require reevaluation of the pile cap design and the foundation system as a whole.]]>
