Effect of Arching on Uplift Capacity of Pile Groups in Sand

Abstract

In this paper an analytical method has been proposed to predict the net ultimate uplift capacity of pile groups embedded in sand considering the arching effect. This method takes into consideration the embedded length (L) , diameter of the pile (d) , surface characteristics of pile, group configuration, spacing of the pile group ( 3d to 6d ), and the soil properties. Arching develops due to relative compressibility of sand relative to pile which activates the soil–pile friction. As piles/pile groups move up, the active state of soil is initiated. The modified value of active earth pressure coefficient considering arching effect has been derived. Typical charts for evaluation of net ultimate uplift capacity for pile groups are presented through the figures. The predicted values of ultimate uplift capacity of pile groups with different configuration and slenderness ratios are compared with the available experimental results. The predicted values considering arching effect are found to be in good agreement w...