Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
1. A 20-m long concrete pile is driven into cohesionless soil of two strata. The topsoil
stratum has unit weight of 18.5 kN/m3, internal friction angle of 30, and thickness
of 12 m. The second stratum has unit weight of 19.0 kN/m3, internal friction angle
of 35, and thickness of 50 m. The groundwater table is found to be at 42 m below
the ground surface. The concrete pile is circular in cross section with a diameter of
40 cm. Determine the ultimate bearing load of the pile.
Solution:
The pile and the subsoil condition are show in the figure below. The pile length is 20 m,
and GWT is 42 m below ground surface, so GWT is 22 m below the tip of the pile and
has no effect on bearing capacity.
z Sand layer 1:
H1 = 12 m 1 = 18.5 kN/m3
c1 = 0; 1 = 30
Sand layer 2:
H2 = 8 m 2 = 19 kN/m3
c2 = 0; 2 = 35
For uniform pile diameter (no tapering), = 0, use Equation (4.9). The ultimate bearing
capacity of the driven pile is:
z=L
Qu = Qs + Qt = ( K z CKs z sin d ) lDz + a t N q Ats t
z=0
Since the pile penetrates two soil layers, the above equation can be written as:
( ) ( )
Qu = Qs + Qt = K z(1)CK (1)s z(1) sin d1 l H1 + K z(2)CK (2)s z(2) sin d 2 l H2 + a t N q Ats t
The following table is developed to obtain the parameters in the ultimate bearing capacity
equation.
The total ultimate bearing capacity of the driven concrete pile is:
Qu = Qs + Qt =3241.3 + 628 = 3869.3 kN
2. A concrete pile is driven into a homogeneous cohesionless soil. The soils unit
weight is 18.5 kN/m3, and its internal friction angle is 35. The groundwater table is
not found during the subsoil exploration. The pile is subjected to a load of 800 kN.
Using a factor of safety of 3 and pile diameter of 30 cm, determine the required pile
length.
Solution:
The pile and the subsoil condition are illustrated in the figure below. The pile
length is L.
Q = 800 kN
Homogeneous sand:
L 1 = 18.5 kN/m3
c1 = 0; 1 = 35
D = 0.3 m
For uniform pile diameter (no tapering), = 0, use Equation (4.9). The ultimate bearing
capacity of the driven pile is:
Qu = K zCKs z sin (d ) lL + a t N qs t
Given: = 35, displaced soil volume: V = 0.071 m3/m, find Kz from Table 4.1:
Kz = 0.600logV + 2.369=1.680
So:
To satisfy FS = 3:
Qu = 3Q = 3 800 = 2400 (kN)
Use trial-and-error:
Assume L/B = 30, i.e., L = 9 m, find a t = 0.65, calculate Qu = 4894 kN
Assume L/B = 20, i.e., L = 6 m, find a t = 0.66, calculate Qu = 3188kN
Assume L/B = 15, i.e., L = 4.5 m, find a t 0.66, calculate Qu = 2269 kN
Assume L/B = 16, i.e., L = 4.8 m, find a t 0.66, calculate Qu = 2435 kN
3. A 15-m closed-end steel pipe pile is driven into layered undrained clay. The top
layer has unit weight of 18.5 kN/m3, undrained cohesion of 90 kN/m2, and a
thickness of 10 m. The second layer has unit weight of 19.5 kN/m 3, undrained
cohesion of 120 kN/m2, and it extends to a great depth. The groundwater table is at
the ground surface. The pile diameter is 40 cm. Determine the ultimate bearing load
of the pile.
Solution:
D = 0.4 m
Since the subsoil is undrained clay, use the -method. Since = 0, the undrained shear
strength su= cu.
Three methods are used to determine and compare , as shown in the following table.
Soil Figure or
Methods Input values
Strata equation used
L/B = 10/0.4=25,
Tomlinson 0.75 (use
su= 90kPa. Figure 4.12
(1979) interpolation)
Smooth steel pile.
Terzaghi et
su= 90 kPa Figure 4.12 0.50
Layer 1 al. (1996)
su= 90 kPa;
0.45
Sladen C1 = 0.5; q
(1992) q =(18.5- a = C1 0.36
su
9.81)10/2=43.4kPa
L/B = 5/0.4=12.5,
Tomlinson
su= 120 kPa. Figure 4.12 0.47
(1979)
Smooth steel pile.
Terzaghi et su= 120 kPa
Figure 4.12 0.42
Layer 2 al. (1996)
su= 120 kPa;
0.45
Sladen C1 = 0.5; q
(1992) q =(18.5-9.81)10 + (19- a = C1 0.48
su
9.81) 5/2=109.9kPa
The values determined usingTergazhis method are used.
Qs = f s(1) A1 + f s(2) A2
= 451.2510+50.4 1.255
= 877.5 kN
Qt = qt At = 10800.125 = 135 kN
The total ultimate bearing capacity of the driven concrete pile is:
The characteristic value of the bearing resistance is the minimum value of:
(; +; ) +
; = =
3 3
and
(; +; ) +
; = =
4 4
Assuming the geotechnical parameters are the result of only one ground test per clay
layer,3 and 4 are assumed both equal to 1.4 as suggested in EN-1997-1:2004 (Design
approach 2). Hence, using Terzaghis method for and assuming also that the material
properties are design values (as if they were already multiplied by their corresponding
partial factor of safety):
+ 12090.126+(0.51900.410+0.421200.45)
; = =
4 1.4
136.08+893.47
; = = 735.39kN
1.4
and assuming that toe = skin = 1.1 (Note that these might change locally and according to
the chosen design approach)
; ; 136.08 893.47
; = + = + = .
1.1 1.1
Groundwater table
z Clay layer 1:
8m sat(1) = 18 kN/m3
cu1 = 100 kPa; 1 = 0
Clay layer 2:
sat(2) = 19 kN/m3
cu2 = 120 kPa; 2 = 0
To significant
depth
Figure 4.23 Subsoil profile for Problem 4
Solution:
Since the subsoil is clay and is beneath the groundwater table, use the -method. Since
= 0, the undrained shear strength su= cu.
To avoid using trial-and-error, use the Sladen method (1992) to directly calculate L.
4
The total skin resistance is:
Qs = f s(1) A1 + f s(2) A2
= 301.25 8 +120a 1.25 L
= 300+150a L (kN)
Qt = qt At = 10800.196 = 212 kN
The total ultimate bearing capacity of the driven concrete pile is:
Qu 512+150a L
FS = = =3
Q 250
0.45 0.45
q 65.5+ 4.6L
a = C1 = 0.5
su 120
Solve the above equation and find L = 3.75 m
In limit state design approaches using partial factors of safety as demonstrated in this
book, the concept of the global factor of safety suggested in this problem is not
applicable. Hence, an alternative solution in which the pile length required to satisfy that
Rc;d Fc;d (where Rc;d is the design resistance and Fc;d is the design value of all forces
imposed on the pile) is proposed.
1
The cross-sectional area at the pile toe: At = p B2 = 0.196 m 2
4
The forces imposed on the pile should include both the forces and the self-weight of the
pile. In the calculation below it is assumed that both of these forces are permanent and
unfavorable, as well as included in the load of 250 kN. Hence the partial factor of safety
G =1.35. Assuming that the pile will have to penetrate into the third soil layer by a length
L, and noting that the scour zone is neglected in the calculation, then
Fc;d =
; = 250 1.35
Fc;d = 337.50 kN
Noting that partial factors of safety for geotechnical parameters are all equal to 1.00 for
the design approach used here. Also assuming the geotechnical parameters are the result
of only one ground test per layer,it can be found that the characteristic value of the
bearing capacity of the pile is the minimum of:
(; +; ) (; +; )
; = and ; =
3 4
But because 3 and 4 are assumed both equal to 1.4 when only one test is available, as
suggested in EN-1997-1:2004 then,
(; +; )
; = 1.4
The skin resistance for each layer can then be calculated. The aim is to leave the total
skin resistance as a function of the penetration of the pile into layer 3 (L)
In layer 2 (clay):
In layer 3 (clay):
; = ;(2) + ;(3)
; = 30 1.25 8 + 120 1.25
; = 300 + 150
Hence
(; +; ) (211.68+300+150) 511.68+150
; = = =
1.4 1.4 1.4
; = 365.49 + 107
and assuming that toe = skin = 1.1 (Note that these might change locally and according to
the chosen design approach)
; ; 211.68 300+150
; = + = + = 192.44 + 136.36
1.1 1.1
Rc;d Fc;d
0.45 0.45
q 65.5+ 4.6L
a = C1 = 0.5
su 120
65.5+4.6 0.45
192.44 + 136.36 (0.5 ( ) ) 337.50
120
1.34 m
This means that the length of the pile should be at least 2 m + 8 m + 1.34m 11.5 m in
length.
5. A concrete pile is designed to support a load of 4600 kN. The pile is driven into a
homogeneous drained clayey sand with c = 50 kN/m2 and = 32. The unit weight
of the subsoil is 19 kN/m3. The concrete pile is square in cross section with a width
of 30 cm. Use FS = 3. Determine the minimum length of the pile.
Solution:
Since the subsoil is drained clay, the -method is used.
Assume the minimum length of the pile is L in meter.
Using Table 4.4, and given the clay soil with = 32, select upper limit ofNt = 30.
Qt = At qt = 0.09570L = 51.3L
The total ultimate bearing capacity of the driven concrete pile is:
6. As shown in Figure 4.24, a concrete pile is driven into the top two layers of subsoil
strata. The subsoil profile and properties are shown in the figure. The piles
diameter is 50 cm throughout the pile. Determine the ultimate bearing load of the
pile.
Sand, layer 2:
5m z 1 = 18 kN/m3
c1 = 0; 1 = 35
Clay, layer 1:
10 m 2 = 19 kN/m3
c2 = 100 kN/m2; 2 = 25
Qt = qt At = 8400.196 = 164.6 kN
The total ultimate bearing capacity of the driven concrete pile is:
7. A pile group is comprised of four circular concrete piles. The diameter of each pile
is 40 cm. The spacing between two adjacent piles is 120 cm. The pile group is
driven into a homogeneous sandy riverbed to support a bridge pier. It is assumed
the river flows year-round. The saturated unit weight of subsoil is 19 kN/m3, the
cohesion is zero, and the internal friction angle is 36. The pile length is decided to
be 12 m. Determine the ultimate bearing capacity and pile group efficiency of the
pile group.
Solution:
Assume 0.4 m
b = 0.4 m
s = 1.2 m
Assume 0.4 m
The subsoil is sandy (cohesionless) soil. The unit skin resistance is fs, the unit toe
resistance qt.
The ultimate bearing capacity of pile group: Qu( g) = As( g) f s + At( g)qt
( )
As( g) = 0.4 +1.2+0.4 4 12= 96m
= (0.4 +1.2+0.4 ) = 4m
2
At( g)
The ultimate bearing capacity of an individual pile in the pile group:
Qu = As f s + At qt
As = p 0.4 12= 15.07 m2
At = p 0.22 = 0.1256 m2
Use Figure 4.14 and given sandy soil with = 36, find = 0.41
Average effective stress: s 0 = (19-9.81)12/2 = 55.1 kN/m2
f s = bs = 0.4155.1 = 22.6 kN/m2
Use Figure 4.15, and given sandy soil with = 36, find Nt67.
The effective overburden stress at the toe is:
s t = (19-9.81)12 = 110.2 kN/m2.
qt = Nts t = 67110.2= 7388.7 kN/m2
Qu( g) 31724.4
The pile group efficiency: h g = = = 6.25
nQu 4 1268.5
8. A 30-m long closed-end steel pipe pile group is driven into layered undrained clay.
The pile cap is square and the nine piles are evenly spaced. The layout of the pile
group is shown in Figure 4.25. The topsoil layer has a unit weight of 18 kN/m 3,
undrained cohesion of 100 kN/m2, and a thickness of 10 m. The second layer has
unit weight of 19 kN/m3, undrained cohesion of 150 kN/m2, and it extends to great
depth. The groundwater table is at the ground surface. Determine the ultimate
bearing capacity and pile group efficiency of the pile group.
b = 0.5 m
s = 1.5 m
0.5 m
Solution:
The section view of the pile group and the subsoil condition is shown below.
L = Bg = 4.0 m
Groundwater
Ground surface table
sat(1) = 18 kN/m3 L1 = 10 m
cu1 = 100 kN/m2
sat(2) = 19 kN/m3
L2 = 20 m
cu1 = 150 kN/m2
Lg = Bg = 3.5 m
( ) (
= 2 3.5+ 3.5 10010+ 2 3.5+ 3.5 150 20 )
= 56000 kN
Qu( g) = Qu(p) +Qu(s ) = 16537.5+56000 = 72537.5 kN
Use -method to calculate the friction resistance of single pile. The values are
determined usingTergazhis method (Figure 4.12).
The perimeter of the pile is: l = B = 1.57 m
Layer 1: f s(1) = a su = 0.49100 = 49 kN/m2
Layer 2: f s(2) = a su = 0.40150 = 60 kN/m2
The total skin resistance is:
Qs = f s(1) A1 + f s(2) A2
= 491.57 10+ 601.57 20
= 2653.3 kN
Qu = Qp +Qs = 264.9+2543.3= 2918.2 kN
Qu( g) 72537.5
The pile group efficiency: h g = = = 2.76
nQu 92918.2
9. The subsoil profile of a riverbed is shown in Figure 4.23. It is determined that a pile
group comprising four piles is needed to support the bridge pier. The four piles are
evenly spaced. The center-to-center spacing is three times of the pile diameter, and
each piles outside circumference is assumed to align with the edge of the pile cap.
Each concrete piles diameter is 50 cm, and length is 15 m. Determine the ultimate
bearing capacity and pile group efficiency of the pile group.
Solution:
The subsoil condition is shown below:
Groundwater table
z Clay layer 1:
8m sat(1) = 18 kN/m3
cu1 = 100 kPa; 1 = 0
Clay layer 2:
5m
sat(2) = 19 kN/m3
cu2 = 120 kPa; 2 = 0
The plan view of the pile group is show in the figure below. Pile length L = 15 m
0.25 m
b = 0.5 m
s = 1.5 m
0.25 m
(2) Determine the ultimate bearing capacity of an individual pile in the pile group:
Qu = As f s + At qt
Follow the solution in Problem 4, and use the Sladen method (1992)
The total ultimate bearing capacity of the driven concrete pile is:
Qu = Qs + Qt= 622.5 + 211.6 = 834.1 kN
Qu( g) 18400
The pile group efficiency: h g = = = 5.51
nQu 4 834.1
10. A 15-m long closed-end steel pipe pile group is driven into a homogeneous clay.
The pile cap is square and the nine piles are evenly spaced. The layout of the pile
group is shown in Figure 4.25. The pile group is subjected to a vertical load of 5200
kN. The soil has a unit weight of 18.5 kN/m3, cohesion of 100 kN/m2, friction angle
of 10 degrees. The clay layer is 100 m deep and beneath the clay layer is dense
sand. The groundwater table is at the ground surface. Preliminary laboratory testing
found the clays void ratio is 0.45, compression index is 0.3, swell index is 0.08,
and the clay is overconsolidated. The preconsolidation pressure is 200
kN/m2.Determine the primary consolidation settlement of the pile group.
Solution:
Subsoil parameters: sat = 18.5 kN/m3, c = 100 kN/m2, = 10, e0 = 0.45, cc = 0.3, cs =
0.08, c= 200 kN/m2.
The layout of pile group is shown below. AndB = 4 m, L = 12 m.
b = 0.5 m
s = 1.5 m
0.5 m
The 2:1 method is used to calculate the vertical stress increases due to the pile group
loading. The vertical stress increases are assumed to occur starting at the depth of two
thirds of the pile length.
(1) Determine the depth of the soil layer for which the consolidation settlement should
be calculated. The consolidation settlement should be considered to a depth of z
0.1 0.
pB 2
Use 2:1 method: Ds z =
( )
2
B+z
Q 5200
where: p = = 2 = 325 kPa
B2 4
(2) Since the vertical stress increase is nonlinear with depth, the thick soil layers should
be divided into a number of thin layers, and the consolidation settlement for each thin
layer is calculated, then the individual settlements are summed. Based on Figure 3.24
and for easy calculation, the second clay layer of the subsoil is divided into two
layers, as shown in the figure below.
Groundwater
Ground surface table
Layer 1: 2 m z
4m
Layer 2: 4 m
B = 4m
Layer 3: 7 m
The vertical stress increases, the average vertical stress increase, and the average
effective stress in each layer are calculated and listed as follows. Note, the vertical
stress increase is calculated from a depth of 10 m, while the effective stress is
calculated from the ground surface.
Average
Average in-situ Precon-solidation
vertical stress Thickness,
Layer
increase,
effective stress, pressure, c
H (m)
0(av) (kN/m2) (kN/m2)
z(av) (kN/m2)
#1 216.9 (18.5-9.81)9=78.2 180 2
(18.5-
#2 86.9 180 4
9.81)12=104.3
(18.5-
#3 30.7 180 7
9.81)17.5=152.1
In layer #1: c=200 kN/m2 <0(av) +z(av) = 78.2+216.9=295.1 kN/m2, the soil is
overconsolidated.
cH s cH s + Ds (z )av
Sc = s log c + c log 0(av)
1+ e0 s 0(av)
1+ e0 s c
0.08 2 200 0.3 2 78.2 + 216.9
= log + log
1+ 0.45 78.2 1+ 0.45 200
= 0.115 m = 11.5 cm
11. The problem statement is the same as in Problem 9, and the subsoil profile is shown
in Figure 4.23. The total load on the pile cap is 6000 kN. Assume both clay layers
are normally consolidated. Both clay layers have the void ratio of 0.4, compression
index of 0.3. Determine the total settlement of the pile cap.