Estimation of Uplift Capacity of a Single Pile Embedded in Sand Considering Arching Effect

Abstract

This note presents an analytical method for predicting the uplift capacity of a single pile embedded in sand, considering the arching effect. Taking into account the passive stress state of dense sand and the active stress state of loose sand adjacent to uplift pile, a theoretical solution for the lateral earth pressure coefficient for sand with different soil densities is proposed. The failure surface was assumed to be an inverted frustum of a cone with a characteristic angle of inclination. Using the limit equilibrium method, a closed-form solution for the uplift capacity of a single pile embedded in sand was established without requirement of any charts or tables. To assess the roles of the arching effect on the accurate prediction of uplift capacity and the reliability of the proposed analysis approach, comparisons between theoretical and available laboratory experiments and field test results, on sand ranging from loose to dense, were made.