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Analysis of Eccentricity For Three Column Combined Pile Cap

Experiment Findings · July 2018

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.13928.78080

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 Analysis of Eccentricity For Three Column Combined Pile Cap
Nor Ainsha Zaqiah Zulkifili1, Ir Azhar Ahmad2
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia
2azharahmad@utm.my

ABSTRACT. The short comings of driven pre-designated piles at exactly the correct position on the ground has given rise to the
caption of ‘pile eccentricity’ of nearly all individual piles within a pile group. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the
maximum allowable pile group eccentricity for several arrangements of pile group. Results of this study indicates that the norm
adopted maximum eccentricity value of 75 mm for each individual pile is quite misleading and may result in an unsafe pile group
performance. Rather, results from this study suggest that the critical factor is not the eccentricity of individual piles but the overall
pile group centroid eccentricity that governs the safety and reliability of pile group load carrying capacity. Therefore, this study has
establish a Net Centroid Eccentricity Limit Charts for several common pile group arrangement usually adopted in practice. These
charts can be referred to evaluate the safety and reliability of pile cap that has been designed earlier by ignoring pile eccentricities
against actual pile eccentricities recorded on site. Another source of related problem is where eccentricities beyond allowable limit
occur. This will render pile group and the subsequent pile cap as unsafe to sustain column load due to eccentric moment which
causes load distributed to pile are greater than the pile working load capacity. The most practical solution usually adopted on site to
rectify this problem is by installing additional pile. This help to reduce the intensity of load distributed to all piles to value lower
than the pile working load capacity. Hence, the second aim of this study is to formulate a procedure as to determine the optimum
location and number of additional pile to be driven, such the new pile group arrangement inclusive of earlier pile that has been
driven with adequate eccentricity can be salvaged. This has resulted in the development of the Optimum Position of Additional Pile
Chart.

Keywords: Pile Eccentricity; Net Centroid Eccentricity Limit; Optimum Position of Additional Pile.

INTRODUCTION
Pile foundation is one of the foundations that usually used when the bearing capacity of the soil is weak for a certain type of structure.
A pile cap is a link between the column and the driven piles to transfer the load equally to each pile. During the installation of the
pile, the inability or short coming of pilers to drive pre-designated piles at pin point accuracy at exactly the correct position on the
ground has given rise to the caption of ‘pile eccentricity’ of nearly all individual piles within a pile group which might lead to the
failure of pile cap.The change of the centroid of group of piles and the point of the resultant force could cause this situation to some
extend affect the distribution of load to all piles by the pile cap. On the other hand, when the pile capacity is unable to withstand the
higher distribution of load this could results in pile failure. Therefore, the piles need to be analyse to ensure that the centroid of pile
group is within the limit of eccentricity such that the pile capacity is sufficient to withstand the load distributed from column by pile
cap.

Problem Statement
The installation of piles has high possibility of exposing to inaccurately driven piles which resulting on the issues of pile failure due
to eccentricity of individual piles within a pile group. From the specifications of the construction of pile, the norm allowable
eccentricity for individual piles is given by 75 mm. However, previous study has shown that the eccentricity of individual for several
pile arrangement for single pile cap can be more than 75 mm and the load distributed to all pile is still smaller than the pile working
load. This raises questions of how much an eccentricity limit can be allowed for each pile within a pile group? And does the pile
spacing play a role on this eccentricity?
Although there has been a research study in the eccentricity analysis, this study however will be focusing on the analysis
of eccentricity for three column combined pile cap with several pile arrangement. When two or more columns having a very closed
distance, it is sometimes necessary or convenient to combine them in one pile cap. Thus, there is a need for a program to be developed
to analyse the pile cap to ensure the safety and reliability of pile group carrying load capacity.

Objectives
The main aim of this research is to resolve the problem of analysis of three column combined pile cap under eccentricity that usually
occur on construction site. In order to achieve this aim, several objectives have been issued which are:

1. To produce a computer program using Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet that analyse three column combined pile cap under
eccentricity and zero eccentricity
2. To determine the optimum position of additional pile to be driven due to pail failure under eccentricity.
3. To establish Net Pile Group Eccentricity Limit Chart and Optimum Position of Additional Pile

Scope of Study
This study is carried out to develop a program to analyse three column combined pile cap due to pile eccentricity. To achieve the
objectives, the scope of study are limited to:

1. The design of pile cap is based on code of practice EUROCODE 2: MS-EN 1992-1-1:2010

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 2. Method of designing pile cap is based on beam theory method
3. The working load capacity of piles is based on assumption
4. The number of columns are restricted to three columns only

LITERATURE REVIEW
In the design of the pile cap, the pile cap must be able to sustain the transferring of loading from column to the pile. The adequate
thickness and number of piles are the important factors to consider in the design to support the applied loading. There are two
methods that can be used in designing of pile cap. In BS 8110 (and BS 5400), a pile cap may be designed by either bending theory
or truss analogy [1]. In the beam theory, the pile cap is assumed as an inverted beam and is designed for the usual conditions of
bending and shear whereas for truss analogy, the force acting on pile are assumed to be in compression and tension. When the shear
span/depth (𝑎 /𝑑) ratio is more than 2 as in shallow pile or with the arrangement of 6 or more piles, bending action is more
predominant than truss action [2]
The vertical load is brought about by the distributed load of columns, slab and structural beams remained to the pile underneath.
This load will be distributed consistently to all pile on the cap if the vertical load is forced symmetrically on the centroid of pile
group [3] Pile is driven to the bedrock to resist the load that are forced on it horizontally. Pile foundations usually find resistance to
lateral loads from passive soil resistance on the face of the cap, shear on the base of the cap, and passive soil resistance against the
pile shafts. The latter source is usually the only reliable one. Analysis of the problem yields deflections, rotations, moments, shears
and soil reactions as required for structural design [4]. Considering the design of the column will produce moment in the pile cap
under the column fixity in the pile cap. This addition of bending moment will exist if the centroid of the column is not situated at
the center of pile group. This will eventually cause uneven distribution of loading. If the center of load from column is situated at
the center of pile group it will give zero burden for the pile. On the other way round, if the center of loading from column is far
away from the center of pile group it will produce extreme burden.
The design of pile cap is depends on the number of piles used, the arrangement of piles and the shape of pile cap [5]. The
thickness of the cap is fixed such that it is adequate to resist shear without shear reinforcement and the bars projecting from the piles
and the dowel bars for the column can be provided adequate bond length.

METHODOLOGY
In this study, beam theory method is applied for analysis of the pile cap with three column and several number of piles. The
application of beam theory is more flexible to be compared with truss analogy method as it can be used up to any number of piles.
The pile cap is assumed to be like an inverted simply supported beam. Thus, the calculations of moment for beam is applied for the
calculations of moments for pile cap, but in inverted direction of forces. The forces acting on the pile cap is known to be in x
direction and y direction
The load distribution for each pile when the axial load and eccentric loads acting on pile are shown as follows:

𝐹 = ± ± (Equation 1)

Pile Eccentricity Analysis

The load distribution to the pile cap is affected by the presence of eccentricity to the centroid of the pile cap. The load receives
by each pile not distributed uniformly. The moment is induced when the vertical load transfer from the superstructure is not lies on
the same centroid of pile cap. The new load distributions need to be calculated by considering the eccentricity.

𝑀 = [𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑥 (𝑒 − 1)] (Equation 2)

𝑀 = (𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑥 𝑒 ) (Equation 3)

The load distribution obtained from the calculation for each pile should be compared with the pile capacity. If the load receives
by any pile exceeds the pile capacity, the pile will fail and affect the pile cap as well. The pile deviations happened on site should
be monitored.

Microsoft Excel In Civil Engineering

Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet is chosen as a solution for this problem. The spreadsheet is easy to access and user friendly. In fact,
it has many functions that can be a big help in the stage of analysis for pile cap design. This research consisted of three key activities;
development of computer program by Microsoft Excel to analyse three column combined pile cap under eccentricity and zero
eccentricity, and Optimum Position of Additional Pile chart.

1. Analysis of Three Column Combined Pile Cap Under Zero Eccentricity

Three columns are combined under one pile cap is analyse where the vertical load applied is axial to the centroid of the
pile group. The number of piles needed will be determined based on the loading and the centroid of loading should be the same
as the centroid of pile group which then gives zero eccentricity. The type and shape of pile cap is fixed to pre-cast square or
rectangular RC pile. The size of pile cap is designed to cater all the loadings.

2. Analysis of Eccentricity of Three Column Combined Pile Cap

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 In this second stage, it involves pile under eccentricity. When the centroid of loading of the pile cap is not align with the
centroid of pile group, it will create moment which leads to eccentricity in pile. Thus, new centroid of loading of pile cap and
pile group are determined under the consideration of eccentricity in either x-direction, y-direction or both directions. Hence, this
study has establish a Net Centroid Eccentricity Limit Charts for several common pile group arrangement usually adopted in
practice. These charts can be referred to evaluate the safety and reliability of pile cap that has been designed earlier by ignoring
pile eccentricities against actual pile eccentricities recorded on site. If the eccentricity of pile has exceed the limit, new piles
will be added and the optimum position of the new pile can be determined from the graph constructed.
.
3. Procedure to Determine Optimum Position of Additional Pile
Another source of related problem is where eccentricities beyond allowable limit occur. This will render pile group and the
subsequent pile cap as unsafe to sustain column load due to eccentric moment which causes load distributed to pile are greater
than the pile working load capacity. The most practical solution usually adopted on site to rectify this problem is by installing
additional pile. This help to reduce the intensity of load distributed to all piles to value lower than the pile working load capacity.
Hence, from this study we are able to determine the optimum location of additional pile to be driven, such the new pile group
arrangement inclusive of earlier pile that has been driven with adequate eccentricity can be salvaged. This has resulted in the
development of the Optimum Position of Additional Pile Chart.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The results on the development of Microsoft Excel program in analyzing eccentricity for three column combined pile cap are
discussed herein. Results of analysis for nine pile group arrangement is taken as sample to be discussed further.

Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet

Data Sheet for Three Column Combined Pile Cap Analysis. User need to key in axial load for each column. The analysis of pile
is carried out by determining the suitable number of pile arrangement based on the calculated net service load over pile capacity.
Then, a suitable dimension of pile cap will be calculated as well. Figure 1 shows a layout for three column and nine pile group
arrangement under zero eccentricity where the centroid of loading is located at the centroid of pile group. Since there are no
eccentricity in any direction, hence, no moment is induced by the column.

Figure 1: Layout for Three Column And Nine Pile Group Under Zero Eccentricity

Net Centroid Eccentricity Limit Chart. In results of the load distribution of the piles when there is eccentricity, the net centroid
eccentricity limit chart is established. The chart will show the maximum deviation of the pile cap centroid allowed for various
ultimate load. The range of ultimate load used for nine pile group in order to obtain this chart is between 3240 kN and 3400 kN.

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 Table 1: Net Centroid Eccentricity For Nine Pile Group Under Load Variations

From Table 1, it is shown that when an ultimate load of 3400 kN is acting on the pile cap, the allowable eccentricity for the pile
cap is up to 60 mm in x-direction and 63 mm in y-direction both positive and negative values. As the ultimate load decreased, the
allowable deviation of the pile group centroid will increased such that the ultimate load acting on pile is inversely proportional to
the allowable net centroid eccentricity of pile group.

Figure 2: Net Centroid Eccentricity Limit Chart For Nine Pile Group

Thus, from this values, a Net Centroid Eccentricity Limit Chart is establish where it can be utilized on-site to evaluate the
compliance of piling works carried out on site. From this chart, it indicates that all net centroid eccentricity of pile group within
the safe zone of N/n ratios will yield a safe pile load capacity irrespective of individual pile eccentricities.

Locating Optimum Position for Additional Pile. Another source of related problem is where eccentricities beyond allowable limit
occur. This will render pile group and the subsequent pile cap as unsafe to sustain column load due to eccentric moment which
causes load distributed to pile are greater than the pile working load capacity. The most practical solution usually adopted on site
to rectify this problem is by installing additional pile. This help to reduce the intensity of load distributed to all piles to value
lower than the pile working load capacity. Referring to Figure 3, the optimum position of additional pile is (-40 mm, 55 mm). This
is illustrate in Table 2, that by selecting the position of additional pile at coordinate (-40, 55) will result in the net pile group
centroid returning to (0,0)

Table 2: Pile Group Centroid Before and After Adding New Pile

Pile Group Centroid ex ey

(before add-on pile) (mm) (mm)
4.4 -6.1
Add-On Pile X-Coordinate Y-Coordinate
Position -40 55
ex ey
Pile Group Centroid (mm) (mm)
(after add-on pile)
0 0

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 Figure 3: Optimum Position For Addition Pile Chart (9 Pile Group)

Table 3 is the final verification that by inserting an additional pile (-40, 55) the load distribution on pile clearly indicates all piles
including the additional pile is able to support the load from column such that the load distributed on pile is less than the pile
capacity of 300 kN.

Table 3: Load Distribution After Adding New Pile

Figure 4: Layout of Pile With Eccentricity and Addition Pile

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CONCLUSION
In this paper, an innovative model that employed image processing and object tracking techniques for measuring displacement
of structural response was proposed. This developed model serves as a potential alternative to the conventional methods for structural
deformation measurements. Findings conforming to the objectives of this study can be summarised as below:
1. The application of Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet in creating a spreadsheet for analysis of three column combined pile cap
has make the analysis easier.
2. To cater the issues regarding load distribution of the piles where there is presence of eccentricity in piles, a Net Centroid
Eccentricity Limit Chart is established. This chart shows maximum deviation of pile cap centroid allowed for different
ultimate load which will gives a solution towards on-site field works.
3. Further increase in ultimate load will results in pile failure due to eccentricity. This will cause an addition of pile to the pile
group which results in another graph which indicates an optimum position of additional pile such that it will able to sustain
load distribution from the pile cap.

REFERENCE
[1] Charles E. Reynolds, James C. Steedman & Anthony J. Threfall (2008) Reynolds’s Reinforced Concrete Designer’s
Handbook Eleventh Edition, Pile-Caps
[2] Murali Krishna (2015), Design of Pile Cap
[3] Maged Abdullah Abdulhak Al-Esaei (2016), Design and Reanalysis of Pile Cap with Five Piles Under Eccentricity
[4] M.T. Davisson, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Lateral Load Capacity of Piles
[5] Mohammad Salleh Yasin, Ramli Abdullah (2016) Reinforced Concrete Design To Eurocode 2, Design of Foundation,
329-334