Uplift Capacity of Piles in Sand

Abstract

An analytical method has been proposed to predict the ultimate uplift capacity of piles embedded in sand. The method takes into consideration the length, diameter, and surface characteristics of piles and the soil properties. Typical charts for evaluation of average skin friction values for piles are presented through figures in dimensionless quantities. Critical depth of embedment beyond which the average skin friction attains a constant value depends not only on the relative density of sand but significantly on pile surface characteristics. Reasonable agreement has been observed between the measured and predicted values of uplift capacities. Among the available methods the proposed analysis predicts more realistic values of uplift capacities.