To study load transfer mechanism and bearing capacity of a mixed pile with stiffness core （MPSC）, which is formed by inserting a precast reinforced concrete pile （PRCP）, in-situ tests involving MPSCs with different lengths, diameters, water cement ratios and PRCPs, cement mixed piles, and drilling hole piles, were carried out. Limit bearing capacities, load-settlement curves and stress distribution of MPSCs and mixed piles were obtained. The load transfer between cement soil and PRCP was analyzed by finite element method （FEM）. Test results and FEM analysis show that an MPSC has fully utilized the big friction from a cement mixed pile and the high compressive strength from a PRCP which transfers outer top load into the inner cement soil, and that inserting a PRCP into a mixed pile changes the stress distribution of a mixed pile and improves frictional resistance between a mixed pile and soil. The length and the section area on PRCP of an MPSC both have an optimum value. Adopting MPSC is effective in improving the bearing capacity of soft soil ground.
