Abstract
Bearing capacity of single piles are occasionally predicted using the renowned theoretical methods (α and β methods). These methods are based on laboratory tests, which can be time-consuming, but also applicable in foundation engineering practice for unsaturated soils. Full-scale pile load tests were carried out on bored piles equipped with Expander Body Systems in the Federal District of Brazil, known for its unsaturated, collapsible and porous soil. This paper has the aim to assess the applicability of the β method, considering the contribution of soil matric suction, in order to estimate the bearing capacity of these piles subjected to uplift and compression loads in unsaturated soils. Based on the experimental results, it is indicated that the use of the β method considering the matric suction, can be a useful tool for bearing capacity estimation of bored piles equipped with Expander Body Systems in unsaturated soils.
Highlights
Single piles bearing capacity is usually computed using semi-empirical methods; renowned theoretical methods (D and E methods) have been employed in pile foundation engineering for many years [1]
Based on the experimental results, it is indicated that the use of the E method considering the matric suction, can be a useful tool for bearing capacity estimation of bored piles equipped with Expander Body Systems in unsaturated soils
This paper has the aim to assess the applicability of the E method, considering the contribution of soil matric suction, in order to estimate the bearing capacity of bored cast-in-situ piles equipped with the Expander Body System (EB) technology subjected to uplift and compression loads in lateritic, porous and unsaturated soil
Summary
Single piles bearing capacity is usually computed using semi-empirical methods; renowned theoretical methods (D and E methods) have been employed in pile foundation engineering for many years [1]. The development of novel pile installation methodologies subsidized growing appeals for analyzing the applicability of theoretical bearing capacity methods. The Expander Body System is an innovative technology that can be attached to the toe of bored and driven piles. This system has been widely adopted as a pile foundation solution in prominent urban centers such as Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia [2]
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