On the Shaft Friction Modelling of Non-Displacement Piles in Sand

Abstract

ABSTRACT To evaluate the capability of a centrifuge physical model to catch the main aspects of the shaft friction mobilisation of non-displacement piles in sand, a series of centrifuge tests was carried out by axially loading an instrumented model pile embedded without displacement, in homogeneous dry sand. Three model piles with different roughness were combined with two silica sands (Toyoura and FF) with different grain size. After a description of the experimental set-up, test results were analysed with reference to the current practice (β method). Moreover, the effects of the normalised pile skin roughness, Rn, on the shear stress mobilised were investigated. Finally, the shaft friction mechanisms observed from centrifuge tests, were interpreted by direct shear tests on sand/rigid plate interface under constant normal stiffness.