Piles in Sand: A Method Including Residual Stresses

Abstract

A method is presented for the analysis of load distribution of piles driven in sand and subjected to static vertical loads. This method is unique in that it considers the existence of residual stresses due to driving. It uses the results of standard penetration tests to obtain the load transfer curves for friction and point resistance. These curves are modeled by hyperbolas which start at the residual friction and residual point pressure for zero displacement. The design method is based on a simple theory and a 33‐pile data base. Since each pile had sufficient instrumentation and a sufficiently complete load test program, the residual stresses and transfer curves could be determined with reasonable accuracy from the data base.