Axially Loaded Piles in Consolidating Layered Soil

Abstract

The interaction of an applied axial load and a drag load on a circular pile in consolidating layered soil is investigated. A rigorous load-transfer theory with elastoplastic slip considered at the pile–soil interface for such piles is developed. The validity of the proposed solution is confirmed by a comparison with field measurements. Results of extensive parametric studies with regard to the pile behavior are presented for a better understanding of the behavior for axially loaded piles embedded in layered soil with an upper consolidating layer. Design charts are presented to predict the location of the neutral plane, maximum pile load, and pile top settlement for axially loaded piles in layered consolidating soils.