Uplift Capacity of Single Bent Pile and Pile Group Considering Arching Effects in Sand

Abstract

In this paper an analytical method has been proposed to predict the net ultimate uplift capacity of the single bent pile and pile group with a bent embedded in sand considering arching effects. Arching develops due to relative compressibility of sand relative to pile which activates the soil-pile friction. The method takes into consideration the embedded length (L), diameter of the pile (d), bent angle, surface characteristics of pile, group configuration, spacing of the pile group and the soil properties. Log spiral failure surface with parabolic arch shape was assumed in the analysis. Theoretical investigation for uplift capacity was been carried out for the single bent pile and group of pile (2 × 1, 2 × 2) embedded in sand. The variable used in the analysis were embedded length to pile diameter (L/d = 15, 20 and 25), spacing in the group (3d, 4d and 6d) and angle of bent (6°, 14° and 20°). Typical charts for evaluation of net ultimate uplift capacity for pile groups are presented through the figures. Comparison of theoretical results shows good agreement with established experimental results.