MINISTRY OF EDUCATION MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND

AND TRAINING RURAL DEVELOMENT

VIETNAM ACADEMY FOR WATER RESOURCES

SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH

BACH VU HOANG LAN

RESEARCH ON THE GROUP EFFECT TO THE

CAPACITY AND SETTLEMENT OF VERTICAL
PILES GROUP

Specialization: Geotechnical Engineering

Code: 62.58.02.11

THESIS OF DOCTOR OF ENGINEERING IN BRIEF

HO CHI MINH City, 2017

 The scientific work has been finished at:
SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH

Advisers: 1. Assoc. Prof. Dr. To Van Lan

2. Prof. Nguyen Cong Man

Reviewer 1: Prof. Dr. Trinh Minh Thu

Reviewer 2: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Tam
Reviewer 3: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Nam

The PhD thesis defends at the assessment committee at the

Southern Institute of Water Resources Research - 658 Vo
Van Kiet Street; Ward 1; District 5; Ho Chi Minh city.
At: 8 AM Date…… month …….. Year 2017

The PhD thesis can be obtained: The National Library or

Southern Institute of Water Resources Research Library
 -1-

INTRODUCTION
1. The necessity of this study
Nowadays, pile foundations are widely used in buildings,
bridges, roads and play an important role to structures, which
build on soft soil areas. In Ho Chi Minh city, the large soft soil
areas distribute along the right bank of Saigon river.
When several piles are clustered, it is reasonable to expect
that soil pressures produced from either side friction of point
bearing will overlap. In practice, the capacity of pile group in
cohesive soils is less than the sum of the individual pile capacity.
The reduction of the load capacity and the increased settlement of
the pile group compared to the performance of single pile are
shown by the group efficiency and the settlement ratio. The
question of some concerns is: How to consider group effects
when design the pile foundation in soft soil, to ensure the capacity
and settlement of the pile group. Therefore, the topic “Research
on the group effects to the axial capacity and settlement of
vertical piles group” has scientific and practical significance.
2. Goals of study
The group effects influence on the performance of the pile
groups, which work in the soft clay in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Research for the load distribution on piles; the ultimate value
of unit shaft resistance and the end bearing resistance of each pile
in the groups, which are collected by vertical piles with rigid cap,
under the axial load.
- To define the group efficiency and the settlement ratio of the
pile groups working in soft clay.
- Suggested use the group efficiency and the settlement ratio to
estimate the capacity and the settlement of the pile group from the
static load test result of single pile.
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3. Object and Scope of research

- The group effects of the pile groups with single cap work
under axial load, in the homogeneous soft clay.
- Piles are vertical and having circular section; the pile cap is
rigid and does not contact directly to the ground.
- The number of piles in the group is equal or less than to 16
piles (n≤16), with pile spacing S=3d ÷ 6d (d-pile diameter); the
ratio of pile length and pile spacing in the range [20÷30].
- Ignoring the effect of negative skin friction and the influence
of pile driving on the pile group effects.
4. Purposes of the thesis
(1) Studying the general view solutions of the pile group effects
from foreign and national authors; (2) Research and manufacture
small-scale physical models of single pile and pile groups for
static load tests in the lab and in situ; (3) Analyze the effects of
the pile group from the experiment results, through: the group
efficiency; the settlement ratio; The load distribution on each pile
in the group; the unit shaft resistance and the end bearing
resistance of the different position pile. (4) Applying the
interaction factors theory to analyze the pile group effects; (5)
Using numerical method by Plaxis-3D software to simulate the
static load tests of pile groups. The numerical method results are
used to verify with the experiment results. Constructed the
relationships of settlement ratios and pile number of the group, by
an exponential functions form R=an.
5. Research Method
Experimental method
Theoretical methods.
Numerical method.
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6. New contributions of the thesis

- The results of the thesis make clearly the influences of group
effects on the load sharing in the pile groups with rigid cap: the load
distribution on corner piles are the greater than the load on edge piles
and those of center piles are smallest. The analysis results also show
that: the ultimate value of the unit shaft resistance and the end
bearing resistance of each pile in the group are not constant and
smaller than the corresponding value of the single pile. These values
depend on the interactions between piles and soil.
- Proposed a formula to determine an exponent , which can be
used to calculate the settlement ratio (RS) by the empirical
expression of Fleming et al. (1985).
- Suggest a process for changing pile lengths in the pile group to
improve the performance of the vertical pile group with rigid cap
and working under axial load.
7. The structure of the thesis
Acknowledgements - Preface
Chapter 1: Overview on the piles group effects.
Chapter 2: Using the static pile load tests on the small-scale physical
models to research the piles group effects.
Chapter 3: Application the interaction factors theory to analyze the
group effects of the vertical pile groups under axial load.
Chapter 4: Using the numerical method to analyze the pile group
effects.
Chapter 5: Recommendations
Conclusions and Recommendations
List of Public Scientific Documents
List of References
Appendix
Chapter 1
OVERVIEW ON THE PILES GROUP EFFECTS
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1.1 Outline of the piles group effects

1.2 Equations to determine the piles group effects
1.2.1 Equations of the group efficiency
a. Converse – Labarre equation (1941)
b. Calculation the group efficiency by Feld rule (1943)
c. Sayed and Bakeer equation (1992)
d. Das equation (1998)
1.2.2 Equations of the group settlement ratio
a. Skempton et al. empirical expression (1953)
b. Randolph and Clancy equation (1993)
c. Fleming et al. empirical equation (1985)
1.3 Experimental studies of the pile group effects
1.3.1 Analysis of research results
To evaluate the accuracy of the theoretical equations, we
compared the group efficiencies and settlement ratios, which are
obtained from the experiments results of Barden and Mockton, G.
Dai et al. and from the equations of items 1.2.1 and 1.2.2
1.3.2 Comments
- Almost the equations to calculate the group efficiency and the
settlement ratio only consider the geometry of pile groups,
without considering some parameters, such as: Pile length;
Influence of pile cap (contact or not contact with ground); The
methods to drive piles; The physical mechanical properties of
soil…
- The value of group efficiency and the settlement ratio
calculating by the theoretical equations are not accuracy and not
matching with the corresponding values, which are determined by
the experiment results.
1.4 Regulations to determine the piles group effects in
Vietnam's building codes
 -5-

Introduce the regulations of the piles group effects in

Vietnam's building codes, such as: TCXD 205:1998; 22TCN
272:05 and TCVN 10304: 2014.
1.5 Comments of Chapter 1
- The theoretical equations to determine the group efficiency
and the settlement ratio have not taken into all influence
parameters, therefore the value of those are not high accuracy and
sometime not matching with the corresponding values, which are
calculated by the experiment results.
- Equation proposed by Sayed and Bakeer (1992) had new
influence parameters. However, the values of group efficiencies
are not accurate, on some types of soil.
- The regulations of the piles group effects in Vietnam's
building codes do not provide enough information to calculate the
pile group capacity from the static load tests of a single pile.
Goals of study is analysis the pile group effects in soft clay of
Ho Chi Minh City, the purposes of the thesis are: (1) Using some
methods to analyze the group effects to load distribution on pile;
the maximum value of the unit shaft friction and the end bearing
resistance of each pile in the group, the group efficiency and the
settlement ratio of the piles group. (2) Suggestions to use the
group efficiency and settlement ratio to determine the pile group
capability by static load test results of single pile.
Chapter 2
USING THE STATIC LOAD TESTS ON THE SMALL-
SCALE PHYSICAL MODELS TO RESEARCH THE PILES
GROUP EFFECTS
2.1 Basic theories of the static piles load tests
2.1.1. Static piles load test procedure
 -6-

The static piles load tests on the small-scale physical models

are used the quick load test program [11] to reduce: Time; Cost;
Avoiding the creep phenomena of soil bed and the residual strains
along pile shaft caused by long-term loading time.
2.1.2. Analysis of the static piles load test results
2.2. Set up the small-scale physical models for pile tests in lab
2.2.1. General
2.2.2. Advantages and disadvantages of small-scale physical
model
Although, the small-scale physical model only describes the
performance of a particular prototype under the gravitation field
of the earth, but it is an useful tool, because: it’s low cost and can
be simulation soil properties, such as: cohesion, friction...
2.2.3. Establishing general equations for series test
The Buckingham's  Theorem was used to transfer from any
dimensionally homogeneous equation involving certain physical
quantities to a complete set of dimensionless products.
2.2.4 Basis Theories for scale effects of pile experiments
Applying the scaling laws [28] to determine the minimum value
of pile diameter in the small-scale model is dmin = 5mm, in order
to reduce the errors of shaft friction between the pile-soil. In
practice, pile diameter of physical models was chosen d=16mm to
require the scale effects and easily manufacturing.
Using the formulas by Horikoshi and Randolph (1997) to
calculate the pile cap thickness of tr =25 mm, to satisfy the
assumption of rigid pile cap.
2.2.5. Pile material
The pile model is made of aluminum tubes, because the axial
deformation of piles must has a remarkable value to measure.
 -7-

2.2.6. Size of soil container in the lab experiment

To minimize errors, the size of the soil container needs: (1) It has
enough space to avoided some problems due to: boundary effects
and the distribution of soil stress surrounding the piles in group.
(2) The container is not too large, so it is easy to move and to
reconstitute the soil.
Using Plaxis software to determine the distribution of soil stress
surrounding the piles group and combined data of pile
experiments on small-scale models by some authors, the container
size was chosen: 700mm (width)×700mm (length)×800mm (high)
2.2.7. Test Equipment
2.3. Static piles load tests on the physical models in lab
2.3.1. Numbers of pile tests
Static piles load tests were performed on some pile group models:
2x2 piles; 3x2 piles and 3x3 piles. Pile diameter d=16mm; The
ratios of pile length and pile diameter are: L/d=20; 25; 30; Piles
spacing are S= 3d; 4d; 5d and 6d. Each pile group has a maximum
of 3 instrument piles, which lie down on the corner, edge and
center of the pile groups.
2.3.2 Reconstituted soil
Soil bed is reconstituted by compaction method at natural
moisture. The soil is put into the container by layers, then
compacted until it reaches the natural unit weight of the sample.
To easily reconstitute soft clay, clay samples have moisture
content W=[49÷ 52]%; wet unit weight = [15.6÷16.5] kN/m3.
2.3.3 Results of static pile load tests
The relationships between settlements and load of single pile or
load of the pile groups are illustrated in the graphs (Fig. 2.14;
2.15 and 2.16), which obtained by results of pile tests in lab. The
data were determined the utlimate load capacity of single pile and
 -8-

pile groups with limited settlement [U] = 8mm and calculate the
values of the coefficient of group () and the ratio of settlement
(RS) of pile groups using equations (2.2) and (2.3).

LOAD OF SINGLE PILE (N)

LOAD OF SINGLE PILE (N)

LOAD OF SINGLE PILE (N)

LOAD OF PILE GROUP (N)

LOAD OF PILE GROUP (N)

LOAD OF PILE GROUP (N)

SETTLEMEMT (mm) SETTLEMEMT (mm) SETTLEMEMT (mm)

Hình 2.14. Settlement – Load curves of single pile and 4 piles group
SINGLE PILE
LOAD OF SINGLE PILE (N)

LOAD OF SINGLE PILE (N)

LOAD OF PILE GROUP (N)

LOAD OF SINGLE PILE (N)

LOAD OF PILE GROUP (N)

LOAD OF PILE GROUP (N)

SETTLEMEMT (mm) SETTLEMEMT (mm) SETTLEMEMT (mm)

Hình 2.15. Settlement – Load curves of single pile and 6 piles group
LOAD ON SINGLE PILE (N)
LOAD OF PILE GROUP (N)
LOAD OF PILE GROUP (N)

LOAD OF SINGLE PILE (N)

LOAD OF SINGLE PILE (N)

LOAD OF PILE GROUP (N)

SETTLEMEMT (mm) SETTLEMEMT (mm) SETTLEMEMT (mm)

Hình 2.16. Settlement – Load curves of single pile and 9 piles group
 -9-

2.3.4. Analysis of results

Fig 2.17 and Fig 2.18 show the relationships between the group
efficiency (); the settlement ratios (RS) and S/d ratios, which are
identified from the test results and the formulas of Converse -
Labarre and Randolph - Clancy.
6 PILES GROUP 9 PILES GROUP

GROUP EFFICIENCY

GROUP EFFICIENCY
GROUP EFFICIENCY

4 PILES GROUP

S/d RATIO S/d RATIO S/d RATIO

Fig. 2.17. Group efficiency – S/d ratio curves of pile groups

SETTLEMENT RATIO

SETTLEMENT RATIO
SETTLEMENT RATIO

4 PILES GROUP 6 PILES GROUP

9 PILES GROUP

S/d RATIO S/d RATIO S/d RATIO

Fig. 2.18. Settlement ratio – S/d ratio curves of pile groups

The pile deformation data were analyzed to determine: the load
sharing on pile and the unit shaft resistance and the end bearing
resistance of each position pile in the groups.
2.4. Static piles load test on small-scale physical models at site
The limitation of pile tests in lab is not accurately simulating
the properties of soft clay and friction between piles and soil.
Therefore, using field tests to prove the research results, which
are collected by experiments in lab.
 -10-

2.4.1. Diameter of test pile

The static piles load tests on full-scale model have some
disadvantages: (1). The tests need many mechanical equipment,
so make more expense. (2). The counter-weight causes a
significant increase of the shear resistances of the top soft soil
layer and thus most the pile test results have not reflect the actual
soil conditions at the site. (3). It is difficult to assure the
assumption that the pile group works in homogeneous clay.
Therefore, the research chooses to study small-scale pile group
with pile diameter d= 60mm, satisfy the requirements: (1). The
pile diameter is not too large to simplify: the pile driving and the
static pile load tests. (2). The pile diameter is large enough to
attach the strain gauges inside the pile shaft.
2.4.2. Numbers of pile tests at site
Table 2.9. Numbers of pile tests at site
Number Pile length S/d L/d
No.
of pile (mm) Ratio Ratio
Đ1 1 1800 - 30
N4 4 1800 3 30
N9 9 1800 3 30
N16A 16 1800 3 30
Corner Pile Edge Pile Center Pile
N16B 16 3 -
1500 1800 2100

Group N16B has different pile lengths. The test on this group
can be evaluating the effectiveness of changing the piles length.
The total piles length in two groups N16A and N16B are equal.
2.4.3. Detail of piles test and pile cap
Piles test made of steel tube =60 mm with a thickness of 5mm.
Each group has a maximum of three piles with strain gauges were
attached: corner pile; edge Pile and center pile. Each instrument
pile has from 1 to 4 strain gauges depending on the pile length.
 -11-

The pile cap is made up some of 800x800x25(mm) steel plates,

which are connected to each other by bolts and fixed to the top of
the pile group.
2.4.4. Apparatus for applying load and measurement system
2.4.5. Soil Condition
2.4.6. Static piles load tests at site
2.4.7 Test Results

(RS)
()

Figure 2.37. The curves of  – n and RS – n, which analyze from

results of tests in lad and field test
These values of the group efficiencies and the settlement ratios
from the situ test results were compared with those of the lab tests
on groups with the same pile number, S/d ratio and L/d ratio (Fig
2.37), which shows the similar amounts.
2.4.8 Analyses the test results
Analyses the axial deformations of a pile, to determine:
- The load distribution on a pile; the unit shaft friction of each
piece of pile; the end bearing resistance of piles toe.
- In group N16B: The load distribution on the piles is relatively
equal (Fig 2.42); The value of unit shaft friction and the end
bearing resistance are larger than the corresponding values of
piles in group N16A.
 -12-

LOAD SHARING ON PILE (kN)

LOAD SHARING ON PILE (kN)

LOAD SHARING ON PILE (kN)

GROUP N9 GROUP N16A GROUP N16B

CORNER PILE CORNER PILE CORNER PILE

EDGE PILE EDGE PILE EDGE PILE
CENTER PILE CENTER PILE CENTER PILE

SETTLEMEMT (mm) SETTLEMEMT (mm) SETTLEMEMT (mm)

Hình 2.42. Load sharing on pile - Group settlements curves of

group N9; N16A and N16B
2.5. Conclusions of Chapter 2
The combination and analysis of the results of 39 pile’s tests
in lab and 5 field tests on physical models having conclusions:
- Comparing the group efficiencies, the settlement ratios from
the test results and the corresponding values making from
formulas of Converse-Labarre and Randolph-Clancy, to show that
these values have the same trend in terms of factors: pile number
and pile spacing. The different values of these ratios from two
methods are in the range of [0.1%÷ 18.4%] and [0.09% ÷12.4%]
respectively, because most of the formulas do not take into the
effects of pile length and the physical mechanical properties of
soil.
- The test results point out: Increasing the ratio of pile length
and pile diameter (L/d) to make the decreasing of group
efficiency () and the increasing of settlement ratio (RS) of the
groups with the same pile’s number and pile’s spacing. It shows
that: the effects of the pile length should be considered to analyze
the pile group effects.
 The group effects in the pile groups with rigid cap make: the
decreasing of the shaft resistance and toe resistance of the pile in
 -13-

group; the load sharing on piles are unequal and reducing the pile
efficiency. For the 9 piles groups, the efficiency of center piles
are in the range of [0.34 ÷ 0.56].
 Values of the unit shaft friction (fS) and the end bearing
resistance (qp) of pile in groups are smaller than the
corresponding values of the single pile and the arrangement in
decreasing order are: corner piles; edge piles and center piles. It
points that, the maximum value of those are not constant and
depend on the interactions between piles and soil.
 The difference value of settlement ratios of the pile groups
having the same piles number, ratio L/d=30 and S/d=3 from pile
tests in lab and in situ are quite small [1.5% ÷ 3.2%]. It shows the
effectiveness of tests on small-scale models in lab.
 The static load test results on the group N16A and N16B
show that: the changing pile lengths to reduce the load differential
between piles in the group N16B and increasing the capacity of
group N16B by 12% compared to the corresponding value of
group N16A.
Chapter 3
APPLICATION THE INTERACTION FATORS THEORY TO
ANALYZE THE GROUP EFFECTS ON THE VERTICAL PILE
GROUPS UNDER AXIAL LOAD
3.1 Principles
Analysis the group effects to determine the load distribution
on piles and the settlement ratios of the pile groups. The
interaction factor equation of Randolph and Worth (1978) was
chosen by recommending of Phan Dung and Pender M.J.
3.2 Application the interaction factor equation to analyze
the pile group effects
3.2.1 Establishing work
Using the interaction factor method to analyze performances of
the vertical pile group with cap doesn’t contact to ground, using
 -14-

the assumptions: (1). Under the axial load, all piles in the group
have the same settlement; (2) Compressive loading on pile cap
will be completely divided to piles in the group.
3.2.2 Analyzing the pile group effects
Establishing the general equation system based on assumption: all
piles in the group have the same settlement, to calculate: The load
sharing on each pile; The relationship between the settlement of
the group and the load and the value of settlement ratio.
3.2.2.1 Parameters of the piles and soil
Analysis the group effects on some pile groups: 2x2 piles; 3x2
piles; 3x3 piles and 4x4 piles. The parameters of pile material and
soil properties are similar to those of the pile tests in lab (Chapter
2). However, the pile diameter was used 25 times larger than
those in lab tests, which can be reduce some disadvantages of the
experiments on a small-scale model.
3.2.2.2 Results of the analyzing pile group effects
The diagrams (from Fig.3.6. to Fig 3.9.) describe the relationships
between the settlement ratio and pile number in the pile group.
The relationships are approximated by exponential functions of
the form: RS=an.
SETTLEMENT RATIO (RS)

SETTLEMENT RATIO (RS)

RATIO S/d=3 RATIO S/d=4

NUMBER OF PILE (n) NUMBER OF PILE (n)

Figure 3.6. RS – n curves of the Figure 3.7. RS – n curves of

pile groups with ratio S/d=3 the pile groups with ratio S/d=4
 -15-

SETTLEMENT RATIO (RS)

SETTLEMENT RATIO (RS)

RATIO S/d=5 RATIO S/d=6

NUMBER OF PILE (n) NUMBER OF PILE (n)

Figure 3.8. RS – n curves of the Figure 3.9. RS – n curves of

pile groups with ratio S/d=5 the pile groups with ratio S/d=6
3.3 Conclusions of Chapter 3
- The interactions between the piles and soil cause unequal load
distribution on pile in the group. If pile spacing increases and the
pile length decreases, the piles in group will work more
independently and reducing the load differential between piles.
- The group effects are more significant when increasing the
number of piles: in groups of 9 piles, the load distribution ratio of
corner piles and center piles are [1.28 ÷ 1.16]; [0.55 ÷ 0.33]
respectively and the corresponding values in the groups of 16
piles are [1.5 ÷ 1.37]; [0.57 ÷ 0.49].
- The relationships between the settlement ratio and pile
number are approximated by the exponential function form
RS=an, in the scope of research, the coefficients a is in the range
of [1.04÷0.991] and exponent  = [0.466÷0.259].

Chapter 4
USING THE NUMERICAL METHOD TO ANALYZE THE
PILE GROUP EFFECTS
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4.1 Introduction
Using the numerical models to describe the static load tests on
single pile and pile groups. Plaxis-3D (2013) software is used to
determine the relationship between load - settlement of the static
load tests and the axial force of each pile in the group.
4.1.1 The purpose of the numerical simulation study
4.1.2 Material models of Plaxis-3D software
4.2 Numerical simulation for static pile load tests
4.2.1 Data of pile and soil
In Plaxis software, soil can be simulated by some models, such
as: Mohr-Coulomb; Hardening model. According to [2], [45] the
Soft Soil model (SS) was chosen for studying. The parameters of
the soil are based on the physical properties of the reconstituted
soil in the lab tests (Chapter 2).
Using numerical models to verify the result of the pile group
effect from the experimental method, so that the pile groups are
simulated by large-scale; Pile diameter is 25 times more than the
those of pile in lab tests; Pile diameter d=0.4m. Ratio of pile
lengths and pile diameter: L/d = 20; 25 and 30. The material
properties of the piles and pile cap are same those of values on
pile in lab tests.
4.2.2. Calculation results
Plaxis-3D software is used to simulate the static load tests of the
pile group. From the load - settlement curves and the axial force
graphs of piles, we calculate: (1) Group efficiency and settlement
ratio of each group. (2) Load distribution ratio and efficiency of
each pile. (3) Determining values of the unit shaft friction and the
end bearing resistance of each pile in group.
 -17-

LOAD (kN) LOAD (kN) LOAD (kN)

SINGLE PILE SINGLE PILE SINGLE PILE

L/d=20 L/d=25 L/d=30
SETTLEMENT (mm)

SETTLEMENT (mm)

SETTLEMENT (mm)
Hình 4.4. Load – Settlement curves of single piles
LOAD (kN) LOAD (kN) LOAD (kN)

4 PILES GROUP 4 PILES GROUP 4 PILES GROUP

L/d=20 L/d=25 L/d=30
SETTLEMENT (mm)

SETTLEMENT (mm)

SETTLEMENT (mm)

Hình 4.9. Load – Settlement curves of 4 piles group

LOAD (kN) LOAD (kN) LOAD (kN)

6 PILES GROUP 6 PILES GROUP 6 PILES GROUP

L/d=20 L/d=25 L/d=30
SETTLEMENT (mm)

SETTLEMENT (mm)

SETTLEMENT (mm)

Hình 4.10. Load – Settlement curves of 6 piles group

 -18-

LOAD (kN) LOAD (kN) LOAD (kN)

9 PILES GROUP 9 PILES GROUP 9 PILES GROUP

L/d=20 L/d=25 L/d=30
SETTLEMENT (mm)

SETTLEMENT (mm)
SETTLEMENT (mm)

Hình 4.11. Load – Settlement curves of 9 piles group

LOAD (kN) LOAD (kN) LOAD (kN)

16 PILES GROUP 16 PILES GROUP 16 PILES GROUP

L/d=20 L/d=25 L/d=30

SETTLEMENT (mm)
SETTLEMENT (mm)
SETTLEMENT (mm)

Hình 4.12. Load – Settlement curves of 16 piles group

4.3 Analysis and comparison of results
4.3.1 Pile Group Effects
In order to assess the compatibility of pile group effects by
different methods, the values of the group efficiency and
settlement ratio of the corresponding groups obtained from:
numerical method; interaction factors theory and experiment
results were compared.
4.3.2 Approximate the settlement ratios by exponential
functions
 -19-

Similar to Chapter 3, the relationships of the settlement ratios and

the pile numbers of the group are approximated by exponential
functions form RS=an. These functions are used to set up the
formula for calculating the settlement ratios of the pile groups,
which work in soft clay.
4.4 Conclusions of Chapter 4
- Group effects make the decreasing of shaft resistance and toe
resistance of pile in the group, so these values are smaller than
those of single piles. The maximum values of unit shaft
resistances (fS) of each pile in the group are different and
decreasing in order: corner piles; edge piles; center piles. The
results match the corresponding results obtained by the tests.
- The decreasing of shaft resistance and toe resistance of pile in
the group make the unequal load distribution to the piles. In 9
piles groups, the ratio between the pile load and the average pile
load of each pile in the group are: corner piles [1.30÷1.19]; edge
piles [0.88÷0.96] and center pile [0.30÷0.51].
- The group efficiencies obtained by the numerical method
match to those of test results. The differences of these values
between the two methods are in the range of [0.3% ÷8.2%].
- Comparing the settlement ratio values (RS) between three
methods: theoretical; numerical method and experiments to show
that, there have same trend when taking effect of factors: L/d
ratios; S/d ratios and piles number (n). The differences of
settlement ratio values between the three methods are in the range
of [1.3% ÷ 9.8%].
- The exponential functions form: RS=an is used to represent
the relationship between the settlement ratios (RS) and pile
 -20-

number. In scope of study: coefficient a and the exponent 

changing in the range: [1.019÷0.987]; [0.437÷0.222] respectively.
Chapter 5
RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1. Proposed formula for determining settlement ratios
5.1.1. The empirical equation of Fleming et al.
Fleming et al. (1985) [24], [47] suggested an empirical
formula to determine the settlement ratio of the pile group:
RS = n (5.1)
Where, RS – the settlement ratio; n – the number of piles;  – an
exponent, which lies between [0.4 ÷ 0.6] for most pile groups.
5.1.2. Comparing the results of calculating the settlement ratio
5.1.3. Proposed formula to determine an exponent
By approximating the relationships between the settlement ratios
and piles number by exponential functions form RS = an in
chapters 3 and 4, with the coefficient a 1. The author proposes
the exponent formulas , which takes into influences of L/d ratios
and S/d ratios to the settlement ratio of the group:
S  L 
  0.4  (0.06  )   0.04   (5.2)
d  d 
5.1.4. Results of calculations and comparisons
The settlement ratios calculated by equation (5.1) with exponent
 determined according by formula (5.2) are compared to those
from experiment results in lab and in situ to show the matching.
Suggest a process for changing the pile lengths to improve the
performance of the pile group
 -21-

5.1.5. Introduction
Studies by Chow and Thevendran (1987) shown that using
the pile group with different lengths can be optimizing the
performance of the pile group. The analysis demonstrated that
reducing the load differentials between piles in the pile group
with rigid cap and regarding differentials settlement when pile
caps are flexible. Some authors, for examples: Liew et al. (2002)
[39], Tan et al. [50] used the pile groups with different lengths in
5-storey building in Tinggi Bulit, Malaysia and the 2,500 ton oil
tank in Summatra, Indonesia. It had shown the effectiveness of
changing the pile lengths in the group.
5.2.2. Theoretical basis
Apply the Feld’s rule (1943) to determine the efficiency of each
positional pile in the group.
5.2.3 Assumptions
Using the assumptions: (1). Keeping the pile layout. (2).
Unchanging total of pile length in the group. Redistribute the pile
length according to the principle: decreasing the length (L1) of the
piles in 1st zone, increasing the length of the center piles (L3) in
3rd zone and keeping the lengths of piles in the middle zone
(L2=L). This process to make the efficiency of the all piles in the
1st zone and 3rd zone are equal.
5.2.4. Proposed calculation process
To change the length of the piles in the pile group, working
on the order:
(1). From the original pile layout divided into three zones with
different types of pile length, based on the rule: Reducing the
piles length in zone 1st (outside of a group); Increasing the
piles length in zone 3rd (center of a group) and keeping the
 -22-

piles length in zone 2nd (middle of a group) and determining

the number of piles for each zone.
(2). Using the Feld's rule (1943) to calculate the group efficiency
of the original pile group.
(3). Calculating the pile efficiencies and the load sharing on each
pile in the original pile group by the recommended formulas.
(4). Using the equation (5.7) to determine the load sharing ratio
on each pile in zone 1st and 3rd of the different- length group.
(5). Calculating the new lengths (L3) and (L1) of piles in
corresponding zones by the formula (5.8) and (5.9).
5.3. Conclusions of Chapter 5
- Proposed expression for an exponent , which is used in the
empirical formula of Fleming et al. (1985) to compute the
settlement ratio. The ratio can be used to estimate the settlement
of a pile group from static load tests result of single pile. The
scope of use: a small pile groups (n≤16 piles) with rigid pile cap,
ratios S/d=[3÷6] ; ratio L/d ≤ 30 and working in soft clay.
- Suggest a process to change the pile lengths of an equal-
length group to improve the performance of vertical pile group
with rigid cap and working under axial load. The process is used
some assumptions: keeping the pile group layout and total pile
lengths of the original group.
CONCLUSTIONS - RECOMMENDATIONS
CONCLUSTIONS
Base on the research results, the thesis makes the conclusions:
1. Group effects in the pile groups with rigid cap cause unequal
load distribution on piles and the value of load on piles
decreases in the order: corner piles, edge piles and center
 -23-

piles. These results caused by the decreasing of the unit shaft

resistances and the end bearing resistance of piles in the
group. In study pile groups, the efficiency of the center piles
were in range [0.3÷0.57] compared with those of the single
pile. This phenomenon makes to reduce the performance of
each pile in the groups.
2. The maximum values of the unit shaft friction (fS) and the end
bearing resistance (qp) of pile in groups are not constant and
smaller than the corresponding values of the single pile. It
points that, these values depend on the interactions between
piles and soil.
3. The group efficiencies calculating by the test results and
Converse - Labbare formula are same trends. In groups with
many piles, the group efficiencies making from lab tests are
the smaller than those of value according to the formula. The
different value of the ratios, which conducted by two methods
varied between [0.1%  18.4%]. This points that the effects of
soil properties and pile length should be taken to analyze the
pile groups.
4. The settlement ratios calculating by the test results and the
formula by Randolph and Clancy are same tendency. The
ratios value making from test results are the smaller than those
of value according to the formula, when increased the pile
spacing. The different value of these ratios, which conducted
by two methods varied between [0.09%÷12.4%].
5. Using different pile lengths in a vertical pile groups, which
has rigid cap and works under the axial compression load to
reduce unequal load distribution on each piles and improving
the performance of the pile group.
 -24-

RECOMMENDATIONS
Base on group effects research of the vertical pile groups
working in soft clay, the thesis has some recommendations:
1. In the pile groups with rigid cap, the load distribution on the
piles are unequal, the value of load sharing on the corner piles
are larger than those of other piles. Therefore, the group
efficiencies should be taken to check the pile capacity, even if
the load on a pile in a group, which is calculated by formulas
(4) in item 7.1.13 of the Vietnam building code 10304:2014,
hasn’t reached the acceptable capacity of single pile.
2. To design pile foundations working in soft clay from the static
load test results of single pile, it necessary uses the equation
of Fleming et al. with the exponent  as defined by the
proposed expression, to estimate the settlement ratios of the
pile group. In groups having many piles, the limit settlement
of single pile in static load test equals 10% of pile diameter or
[Ugh]≤40mm [10] sometimes does not ensure the total
settlement of pile group.
3. The vertical pile groups, with rigid cap working under axial
load may be used the proposed process to change the pile
lengths, to improve the performance of the group.
FURTHER STUDIES OF THESIS
1. Studying group effects of pile group working in multi-layer
soils: piles are driven through soft soil layers and pile toe is in
hard soil.
2. Influence of pile material on pile group effects.
3. Group effects in pile groups with a flexible cap, which is
contacted closely to ground.
 LIST OF PUBLIC SCIENTIFIC DOCUMENTS
1. Bach Vu Hoang Lan (2011). “Some accountings on load capacity of
pile’s group”; Vietnam Geotechnical Journal, ISSN-0868-279X.
2. Bach Vu Hoang Lan (2012). “Influence of pile’s length and geo-
stratigraphic structure over the stress distribution rules at the plane
through the tip of precast reinforced concrete pile”; Vietnam
Geotechnical Journal, 3/2012. ISSN-0868-279X. Page: 21-26
3. Bach Vu Hoang Lan (2014). “Vertical stress distribution region of soil
surrounding single pile and pile groups” ; Review of Ministry of
Construction. 2/2014. ISSN-0866-0762; Page: 124-127
4. Bach Vu Hoang Lan (2015). “Using the interaction factor method
analyzes the group effects of vertical pile group under axil load”;
Collection of scientific and technological results of Southern Institute
of Water Resources Research. ISSN: 0866-7292
5. Bach Vu Hoang Lan; Tran Thi Tram (2016). “Research pile group
effects by modeling of axially loaded test”. Review of Ministry of
Construction. 6/2016. ISSN-0866-0762. Page: 191-194
6. Bach Vu Hoang Lan; Nguyen Minh Hai (2016). “Analyzing the static
load test of a bored pile in Hotel Des Art Saigon Project”. Proceedings
of the 2nd National Conference on Transport Infrastructure with
Sustainable Development (TISDC 2016); Construction Publishing
House, ISBN 978-604-82-1808-6.
7. L.H.Viet; N. M.Hai; B.V.H.Lan; T.T.Quang. “Field Vane Shear Test
for Thi Vai International Port”. Proceedings of the 2nd National
Conference on Transport Infrastructure with Sustainable Development.
Construction Publishing House, ISBN 978-604-82-1808-6.
8. Bach V. H. L.; Nguyen M. H., Puppala A. J.; Nguyen C. M., (2016).
“Comparing the response of static loading tests on two model pile
groups in soft clay”. Proceedings of the 69th Canadian Geotechnical
Conference, Vancouver, October 2-5; Paper No. 3678, 8 p.
9. Nguyen Minh Hai; Puppala A.J.; Patil U.; Bach Vu Hoang Lan (2016).
“Problems of cycled head- down pile load tests in soft soil region”.
Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on “Geotechnics for
Sustainable Infrastructure Development”. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Construction Publishing House, ISBN 978-604-82-0013-8
10. Bach Vu Hoang Lan (2015). “Manufacturing the small-scale physical
model to study the capacity of single pile and pile groups”. Science
research of The University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City. Code:
XD03-NCKH15.