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FOUNDATION LOADS
Pile foundations are design to provide an allowable bearing capacity adequate enough to
resist the applied loads from the superstructure. Design of a pile foundation involves
solving the complex problem of transferring loads from the structure through the piles to
the underlying soil. It involves the analysis of a structure-pile system, the analysis
of a soil-pile system, and the interaction of the two systems, which is highly nonlinear.
These loads are generally transmitted to the foundation by means of the columns of the
structure. The first phase of the design of a pile foundation involves determining the
magnitude of the applied building loads which will be manifested in the form of axial loads
in the columns interacting directly with the foundation.

To determine the magnitude of the foundation loads a structural analysis was carried out
on the frame of the structure using the applied loads. This was done manually.
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LOADING ANALYSIS
For design purposes, both dead and imposed loads were considered. The characteristic
dead load (ï ë used accounted for the self weight of the structural members complete with
finishes, fixtures and partitions. Characteristic imposed loads (
ë were derived in
accordance with the recommendations as provided by G







 


 




 

The maximum design ultimate load applied for all structural members were computed
using the following formula:









a


aBS 8110: Part 1: 1996 British Standard, Structural use of Concrete, Part 1. Code of
Practice for design and construction, British Standard Institution, 1996.
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The following is a breakdown of the design loads utilized:

[.1.1 Floor loads

Breakdown of floor loads (internal slabsë

Element Description Magnitude of characteristic loads

m[

Dead Loads (ï 

jc 150 mm thk. R.C slab 3.75

jc 50 mm screen 1.25
jc Services and ceiling 1.00
jc Partitions (wallsë 1.50
? 

7.50

Vmposed Loads (


jc Shopping Complex ! 4.00

Design Ultimate Load =










= 1.4(7.5ë + 1.6(4.0ë = 16.9 kN/m2

This will be taken as the applied uniformly distributed load on the internal floors slabs.

Since all floors carry similar uses this will apply for all other floors.

!Value taken from a!le 1.0 BS 6339: Part 1: 1996 Code of Practice for dead and
imposed loads. Pg 3.
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[.1.[ Beam Loads

Breakdown of beam loads (Externalë

Element Description Magnitude of characteristic loads

m

Dead Loads (ï 

jc Self Wt. 2.50

jc Xollow block + rendering 1.00
? 

3.50

Vmposed Loads (


jc Any fixtures c 0.50

Design Ultimate Load =










= 1.4(3.5ë + 1.6(0.5ë = 5.70 kN/m

Breakdown of beam loads (Internalë

Element Description Magnitude of characteristic loads

m

Dead Loads (ï 

jc Self Wt. 2.50

Vmposed Loads (
 0.0

Design Ultimate Load =










= 1.4(2.5ë + 1.6(0.0ë = 3.50 kN/m

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[.1.1 Column Loads

Breakdown of column loads (both internal and externalë

Element Description Magnitude of characteristic loads



Dead Loads (ï 

jc Self Wt. 7.80

Vmposed Loads (
 0.0

Design Ultimate Load =










= 1.4(7.8ë + 1.6(0.0ë = 10.92 kN

Since all floors carry similar uses this will apply for all other floors.
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[.[ S
UC U
L LYSVS

‰anual structural analysis was used to calculated the

eactions exerted on concrete columns

Column
eaction at Base ( 

A1 1366.40
B1 2,556.24
C1 2,556.24
D1 341.60
A2 2562.56
B2 4816.00
C2 4816.00
D2 4816.00
A3 2562.56
B3 4816.00
C3 4816.00
D3 4816.00
A4 2562.56
B4 4816.00
C4 4816.00
D4 4816.00
A5 2562.56
B5 4816.00
C5 4816.00
D5 4816.00
A6 341.60
B6 2,556.24
C6 2,556.24
D6 341.60

Figure 3 graphically illustrates the variation of the foundation loads for the proposed
foundation layout.
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3.0 DESVï OF PVLE FOUD VO

The pile foundation design was done using established pile capacity formulae which take
into account the two major contributing elements for pile capacity, mainly:

1.c Skin resistance

2.c End bearing capacity

The final arrangements for the pile are those that provided allowable pile capacities in
excess of the applied column loads which is transmitted to the foundation, with a factor of
safety greater than 2 (SF2ë. The capacity of a single timber pile passing through the soil
profile was determined first, to see whether one pile could have provided the required
capacity. For cases where this was not possible, pile groups were used.

The analysis is summarized in the following design sheets.

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3.1 Single Pile Capacity

Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  
Figure 4 shows the arrangement for a single pile.
Pile capacity is computed as follows:

u =
p +
s

Where
u- Ultimate pile capacity

p- Load carrying capacity

s- Frictional resistance

The allowable pile capacity
all is obtained by applying a suitable

factor of safety (SFë on the contributing parts as follows:

all =
u SF





! 

Pile skin friction resistance is given by:

f = âcu
where âȂ empirical adhesion factor d
cu- undrained shear strength of soil

s =  fp L = âcup L
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Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  

Resistance will be considered for individual strata:

 


"###

$
%#&




 : > =15.6 kN/m3, c =20 kN/m2, =0
Pile size = 300 mm (squareë

s = âcup L = 1 x [0 x 1.[ x 1.8 = 43.[ 

Where p = perimeter of the pile

s =38.53 
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Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  

 
'
"$
%#

$(#&




 : > =16.7 kN/m3, cǯ =30 kN/m2, =0

s = âcup L = 1 x 30 x 1.[ x [.7 = 97.[ 

 

"$(#

$)#&



s =85.05 


 : >
 =18.6 kN/m3, cǯ =40 kN/m2, =100

s = âcus + Ks q tan
= 1 x 30 x 1.05 x [.7 = 85.05 

Where K- coefficient of earth pressure = 1 Ȃsin = 0.83
-Pile, soil frictional angle = 100
q- average vertical stress, computed as follows:
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Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  

Over!urden stress @ -1 +80

q= (15.6x 1.8ë =28.08 kN/m2

Over!urden stress @ -4 +50

q= (16.7- 9.81ëx 2.7=18.6 m[

Over!urden stress @ -7 +90

q= (18.6- 9.81ëx 3.4=[9.89 m[

qave.= 28.08 + 18.6 + 29.89 = [5.5[ m[ qave.=[5.5[

m[
3
Ap- pile perimeter = 1.2 m
â= 0.95 as obtained from fig 8.19

s= (0.95x 40x 1.2x 3.4ë + 0.83 (1.2x 3.4x 25.52x tan 100ë
= 170.3 
s =141.3 

 

"$)#

$
##&




 : >
 =19.5 kN/m3, cǯ =60 kN/m2, =0

s = âcup L = 1 x 30 x 1.[ x [.7 = 97.[ 

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Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  

â= 0.8 as obtained from fig 8.19

s = âcup L = 0.8 x 60 x 1.[ x 8.1 = 466.56 
s =350.7 

 
(
"$
##

$
##&




 : >ǯsat=20.0 kN/m3, cǯ =140 kN/m2, =0

â= 0.37 as obtained from fig 8.19

s = âcup L = 0.37 x 140 x 1.[ x 3 = 186.48 

3.1.[ End Bearing

The tip capacity of the pile is given by:
s =1[8.7 

p = c*cup = 9cu p

Where:

Nc* = bearing capacity factor = 9

C = undrained shear strength of strata
Ap = cross section area of pile tip
Tip area Ap = ] (0.252ë/4 = 0.049m2

p =9x 140x 0.09 = 113.4 kN
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Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  

*

 +


u =43.2+ 170.3+ 97.2+ 466.56+ 186.48+ 113.4= 1,077.14 
u
=811.58 

Allowable single pile capacity,
all = 1,077.14/2 = 538.57 
all

=405.79 

 

 

  

  

 

 






 
 

 

 


 
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3.[ Pile ïroups

Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  

Pile group capacity will be determined using the Converse Labarre

group efficiency in conjunction with the single pile capacity.
As regards the pile group performance a factor of safety ranging
from 2 to 4 is required.

3.[.1 Pile ïroup for Columns B[, B3, B4, B5, C[, C3, C4, and C5.
o. of piles
Foundation Load = 4816.0 kN
Single pile capacity = 1077.14 kN an allowable pile group in excess
of 4816.0 kN is required. qave.=[5.5[
m[

Assuming a safety factor = 3.4

Required number of piles = (4816x 3.4ë /1077.14 = 15.2, use 16

s =141.3 

The pile arrangement will be as indicated in the drawing below.

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Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  

Center to center pile spacing =900mm m
 O

  
        
 





 

Converse La!arre
equation. f

 = 1- [(n1-1n[ +(n[-1n1]

90 n1n[

Where: n1 Ȃ no. of columns in pile group plan = 4

n2 Ȃ no. of rows in pile group plan = 4

=tan-1 (Dd
= tan-1 (300/900ë = 18.430












!
!


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Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  

Group Capacity:
g =p
p

 
    
  

g=11,89[

g =16x 1077.14x 0.69 = 11,892kN. 

Check: Safety Factor should be between 2 to 3

S.F = 11892/4816 = 2.5

Requirement is satisfied.

!*,
( below shows the arrangement of piles for the 16 pile

group, along with details of the pile cap.

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Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  

3.[.[ Pile ïroup for Columns 1, 6, D1, and D6.
o. of piles
Foundation Load = 1366.4 kN
Single pile capacity = 1077.14 kN an allowable pile group in excess
of 1366.4 kN is required.

Assuming a safety factor = 3.0

Required number of piles = (1,366.4x 3.0ë /1077.14 = 3.8, use 4

The pile arrangement will be as indicated in the drawing below.

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Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  

Center to center pile spacing =900mm m
 O

  
        
 





 

Converse La!arre
equation. f

 = 1- [(n1-1n[ +(n[-1n1]

90 n1n[

Where: n1 Ȃ no. of columns in pile group plan = 2

n2 Ȃ no. of rows in pile group plan = 2

=tan-1 (Dd
= tan-1 (300/900ë = 18.40



""

""


#

#

!
"!
"

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Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  

Group Capacity:
g =p
p

 
    
  

g =4x 1077.14x 0.79 = 3403.8kN.
g=3403.8


Check: Safety Factor should be between 2 to 3

S.F = 3403.8/1366 = 2.5

Requirement is satisfied.

!*,
 below shows the arrangement of piles for the 4 pile

group, along with details of the pile cap.

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Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  

3.[.3 Pile ïroup for Columns B1, B6, C1, and C6.
o. of piles
Foundation Load = 2556.24 kN
Single pile capacity = 1077.14 kN an allowable pile group in excess
of 2556.24 kN is required.

Assuming a safety factor = 3.0

Required number of piles = (2,556.24x 3.0ë /1077.14 = 7.1, use 7

The pile arrangement will be as indicated in the drawing below.

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Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  

Center to center pile spacing =900mm m
 O

  
        
 





 

Converse La!arre
equation. f

 = 1- [(n1-1n[ +(n[-1n1]

90 n1n[

Where: n1 Ȃ no. of columns in pile group plan = 4

n2 Ȃ no. of rows in pile group plan = 3

=tan-1 (Dd
= tan-1 (300/900ë = 18.40








#

#

!
!


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Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  

Group Capacity:
g =p
p

 
    
  

g=5353.38

g =7x 1077.14x 0.71 = 5353.38kN. 

Check: Safety Factor should be between 2 to 3

S.F = 5353.38/2556.24 = 2.09

Requirement is satisfied.

!*,
) below shows the arrangement of piles for the 7 pile

group, along with details of the pile cap.

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Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  

3.[.4 Pile ïroup for Columns [, 3, 4, 5, D[, D3, D4 and
D6
o. of piles
g=10,[[1.9
Foundation Load = 2562.5 kN 

Single pile capacity = 1077.14 kN an allowable pile group in excess

of 2562.5 kN is required.

Assuming a safety factor = 3.2

Required number of piles = (2,562.5x 3.2ë /1077.14 = 7.6, use 8

The pile arrangement will be as indicated in the drawing below.

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Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  

Center to center pile spacing =900mm m
 O

  
        
 





 

Converse La!arre
equation. f

 = 1- [(n1-1n[ +(n[-1n1]

90 n1n[

Where: n1 Ȃ no. of columns in pile group plan = 4

n2 Ȃ no. of rows in pile group plan = 2

=tan-1 (Dd
= tan-1 (300/900ë = 18.40



"

"


#

#

!
"!


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Design Computations

eference Project: ›

   
 Output

  

Group Capacity:
g =p
p

 
    
  

g=6415 

g =8x 1077.14x 0.74 = 6415kN.

Check: Safety Factor should be between 2 to 3

S.F = 6415/2556.24 = 2.5

Requirement is satisfied.

!*,
% below shows the arrangement of piles for the 8 pile

group, along with details of the pile cap.

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3.3 DESVï SUMM
Y SHEE

Pile ïroup ïroup Specifications o. of o. of piles

ïroups required

equires for this
ïroup
4 Pile Group 1.c Pile cap:1850mm x 2750mm x400mm
Columns A1, A6, R.C
D1, and D6 2.c Pile spacing: 900mm
4 16
3.c Extension of pile cap beyond outside
face of exterior piles = 300mm
8 Piles Group 1.c Pile cap:3650mm x 2750mm x400mm
Columns A2, A3, R.C
A4, A5, D2, D3, 2.c Pile spacing: 900mm
8 64
D4 and D6
3.c Extension of pile cap beyond outside
face of exterior piles = 300mm
16 Pile Group 1.c Pile cap: 4550mm x 3175mm x400mm
Columns B2, B3, R.C
B4, B5, C2, C3, 2.c Pile spacing: 900mm
8 1[8
C4, and C5.
3.c Extension of pile cap beyond outside
face of exterior piles = 300mm
7 Piles Group 1.c Pile cap:3650mm x 2750mm x400mm
Columns B1, B6, R.C
C1, and C6 2.c Pile spacing: 900mm
4 [8
3.c Extension of pile cap beyond outside
face of exterior piles = 300mm

? 
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[36