Axial Capacity of Single Pile Foundations in Soil

Abstract

This chapter deals with single pile foundations in homogeneous and nonhomogeneous soils. Calculations of axial load a single pile foundation can withstand are explained in details in this chapter. The calculations were performed to satisfy both bearing capacity and elastic settlement requirements. For the bearing capacity condition, several methods were utilized and the effects of many factors were considered in these methods such as pile shape (square/circular), pile size, pile length, soil type, and groundwater table. Then again, the effects of skin friction and the end bearing components were considered in the elastic settlement analyses. Additionally, a step-by-step procedure is introduced in this chapter to develop bearing capacity and elastic settlement design charts which can be useful in the design process of single piles in soil. A number of design problems are also presented in this chapter and its solution are explained in details. These problems were first hand-solved, and then, resolved using the Pile-1 (in soil) and Pile-2 (in rock) applications of the foundationPro program. Finally, a set of design projects was suggested at the end of this chapter to allow the reader practice the concepts learned.