Uplift Capacity of Buried Model Piles in Sand

Abstract

Generally pile foundations are used to support the compressive load of structures; however, some structures, e.g., transmission towers and mooring systems for ocean surface or submerged platforms, are constructed with piled foundations to support the uplift load. Published large-scale field test results for the resistive capacity of tensile piles are relatively scarce. The purpose of this paper is to present some recent model test results for ultimate capacity of vertical piles under axial pull in loose granular soil. The possible variation of unit uplift skin friction with the embedment depth is also analyzed.