Geo-technical Engineering

[TCVG3711]

3.0 Deep Foundations

Mr. Shade S. Muluti
smuluti@unam.na

School of Engineering & The Built Environment

Department of Civil and Mining Engineering
Learning Outcomes
▪ Upon completion of this chapter, students should be able to
do the following:
✓ Be acquainted with the different types of piles and the engineering
applications of pile foundations.
✓ Appreciate and understand the complexity of the stress and strain
states imposed by pile installation and structural loads on the soil.
✓ Estimate the ultimate bearing capacity of single piles and pile
groups.
✓ Estimate the allowable axial load capacity of single piles and pile
groups.
✓ Estimate the allowable lateral load capacity and lateral deflection of
single piles.
✓ Assessment of the settlement of single piles and pile groups.

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 2

Foundations
▪ A foundation is the structural element that is generally embedded
underground and connects the superstructure to the ground.
▪ Generally, the lowest part of a structure.
▪ Its function is to transmit the load from the superstructure to the
underlying soil or rock such that the superstructure can be safely
supported by the soil or rock.
▪ A properly designed load throughout the soil without overstressing
the soil.
▪ Overstressing the soil can result in either excessive settlement or
shear failure of the soil, both of which cause damage to the
structure.
▪ Thus, geotechnical and structural engineers who design foundations
must evaluate the bearing capacity of soils.

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Foundation Types
1) Shallow Foundations

2) Deep Foundations Focus of this Chapter

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Deep Foundations
▪ Deep foundation - D/B > 1, i.e., Piles.
▪ Piles are relatively long and slender members used to
transmit foundation loads through soil strata of low bearing
capacity to deeper soil or rock having a higher bearing
capacity.

Source: Kowloon, Hong Kong

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Pile Foundations
▪ Pile foundations are used to transfer the load of the
structure to the bearing soil or rock located at a significant
depth below ground surface.
▪ They are long and slender members that transfer the load
to soil of high bearing capacity that lie beneath shallower
soils of lower bearing capacity.
▪ They may be subjected to vertical or lateral loads or a
combination of vertical and lateral loads.
▪ Pile foundations are also used to resist horizontal or uplift
loads where such forces may act.
▪ There are several types of piles, and these are described in
the coming sections.

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Typical Uses of Pile Foundations
▪ Piles Foundations can be used when:
a) Soft stratum on dense stratum.
b) Soft stratum extends to great depth with no underlying dense
stratum.
c) Foundation is subjected to uplift force because of fluctuating
groundwater table and freeze-thaw of pore water.

Source: Smith (2014)

Typical situations where deep foundations are needed.

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Typical Uses of Pile Foundations
▪ Piles Foundations can be used when:
d) Foundation is subjected to horizontal load.
e) Topsoil stratum is expansive or collapsible soil.
f) Foundation for highway signs and sound walls that are
subjected to horizontal loads such as wind and earthquake.

Source: Smith (2014)

Typical situations where deep foundations are needed.

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Typical Uses of Pile Foundations
▪ Piles Foundations can be used when:
g) Foundation is subjected to large vertical and horizontal loads.
h) Foundation is susceptible to scouring.
i) Topsoil stratum is susceptible to liquefaction.

Source: Smith (2014)

Typical situations where deep foundations are needed.

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Classification of Piles
▪ Piles can be classified by different criteria, such as:
o Construction materials (i.e., concrete, steel, timber).
o Foundation shapes (i.e., H-pile, hollow pile, pipe pile)
o Methods of installation (i.e., precast, cast in place, driven pile,
drilled/bored pile).
o Load transfer mechanisms (i.e., friction pile, toe bearing pile, and
combination)

Source: Kalumba (2020)

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Classification of Piles
▪ However, in terms of pile design, the most appropriate classification
criterion is the behaviour of the pile once installed.
▪ Pile foundations can be broadly categorized into the following:
a) End bearing piles
b) Friction piles
c) Combination

Source: Smith (2014)

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Classification of Piles
a) End bearing piles
o These piles transfer their load to a from stratum located at a considerable
depth below the base of the structure.
o They derive most of their carrying capacity from the penetration
resistance of the soil at the toe of the pile.

Piles Soft Soil

Source: Kalumba (2020)

Hard Bearing Soil or Bedrock

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Classification of Piles
b) Friction piles
o The carrying capacity is derived mainly from the adhesion or friction of the
soil in contact with the shaft of the pile.

Piles Soft Soil

Source: Kalumba (2020)

Soil strength
increasing
with depth

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Classification of Piles
c) Combination
o This is an extension of the end bearing pile when the bearing stratum is
not hard, such as a firm clay.
o The pile is driven far enough into the lower material to develop adequate
frictional resistance.

Piles Soft Soil

Source: Kalumba (2020)

Firm Bearing Soil or Bedrock

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Types of Piles Based on Material
▪ Piles may be classified according to the composition of
their materials as:
o Timber Piles
o Steel Piles
o Concrete Piles
o Composite Piles

Pre-cast
Timber Steel Pipe Steel H Concrete Composite
Concrete
TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 15
Methods of Pile Installation
▪ The installation process is every bit as important as the design process
for pile foundations.
▪ Before pile design can commence the type of pile and its method of
installation should be known.
▪ In order to avoid damage to the pile during installation, the method of
installation should actually be considered during the design process.
▪ Installation procedure varies considerably and has an important
influence on the subsequent response of the piles.
▪ There are several methods of installation.
▪ However, there are two main methods of pile installation, namely:
a) Pile Driving (Driven/Displacement Piles)
b) Boring of piles (Bored Piles)

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Methods of Pile Installation
a) Driven/Displacement Piles
o These are prefabricated piles that are installed into the soil/ground
through the use of a pile driver.
o Most commonly driven piles are made from precast concrete.
o Steel, timber, reinforced concrete and composite piles are also
available.

Installation of drive/displacement pile using a pile driving rig.

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Methods of Pile Installation
a) Driven Piles

Source: Eyal Hermelin (2018)

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Methods of Pile Installation
b) Bored Piles
o Also referred to as Drilled Piles or Cast-in-place Piles.
o These piles are formed within a drilled borehole.

Phase 1: Phase 2: Phase 3: Phase 4: Phase 5:

Casing installation Drilling Install reinforcement Pour Concrete Extract the casing

Driven and cast-in-place pile installation.

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Methods of Pile Installation
b) Bored Piles

Source: Eyal Hermelin (2018)

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Bored vs Displacement Piles
▪ Advantages of Bored Piles over Displacement Piles:
o Cost of mobilizing/demobilizing a drill rig much lower
than that for pile driving equipment.
o Generates much less noise and vibration.
o Opportunity to observe and verify soil conditions.
o Diameter/Length can be changed easily to account
for unanticipated conditions.
o Not hampered by presence of rock boulders.

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Comparison of Different Piles

Source: Budhu (2011)

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Factors in Selection of Pile Foundations
▪ The selection of the type, length and capacity is usually
made from estimation based on the soil conditions and the
magnitude of the load.
▪ The factors that govern the selection of piles are as follows:
o Length of pile in relation to the load and soil type.
o Character of structure.
o Availability of materials.
o Type of loading.
o Factors causing deterioration.
o Ease of maintenance.
o Estimated costs of type of piles (taking into account the initial cost,
life expectancy and cost of maintenance).
o Availability of funds.

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Single Piles

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Ultimate Load Capacity of Piles
▪ The ultimate load capacity, Qult, of a vertically loaded pile is
conventionally taken as consisting of two parts:
1) Skin friction (force) or shaft friction or side shear, Qs.
2) End bearing at the base or tip of the pile or pile toe, Qb.

Qu = Ultimate capacity of the pile

𝑸𝒖 = 𝑸𝒔 + 𝑸𝒃

Qu = Ultimate load capacity of the pile

Pile shaft Qb = Base capacity = Abqb
Qs = Shaft capacity = Asqs
L Qs = Skin friction (Force)

Where:
𝐴𝑏 = Area of Pile Base.
𝑞𝑏 = End-bearing Pressure.
𝐴𝑠 = Area of Pile Shaft.
𝑞𝑠 = Average limiting shear stress
Pile base or tip down pile shaft.

Qb = End bearing or tip or toe resistance (Force)

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Allowable Load Capacity of Piles
▪ The design load of a pile, also known as allowable bearing capacity,
Qall, is the ultimate bearing capacity divided by the factor of safety (FS).
𝑄𝑢𝑙𝑡
𝑄𝑎𝑙𝑙 =
𝐹𝑆
▪ The FS typically ranges from 2 to 4, depending on:
o Reliability of the analysis method,
o Input design parameters,
o Effect and consistency of the proposed pile installation method,
o Level of construction monitoring such as static load test and
dynamic analysis.

▪ The typical value of FS is 3.0.

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Determining the Load Capacity of Piles
▪ The ultimate load capacity, Qult, of a single vertically loaded
pile may be determined by any of the following:

1) Static bearing capacity equations Focus

2) SPT and CPT values

3) Field load tests

4) Dynamic method

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Determining the Load Capacity of Piles
1) Load Capacity in Cohesionless Soils (c = 0) qs,k

▪ Base Resistance ▪ Shaft Resistance D/L vK

𝑄𝑏 = 𝑞𝑏 ∙ 𝐴𝑏 𝜏 = 𝑐 + 𝜎𝑛 ∙ 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜙
0 0 B
𝑞𝑏 = 𝑐𝑁𝑐 + 𝑞𝑁𝑞 + 0.5𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾
∴ 𝑞𝑠 = 𝜎′𝑣 ∙ 𝐾 ∙ 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛿
∴ 𝑞𝑏 = 𝑞𝑁𝑞
Installation method K
Large displacement 1.0 – 2.0

Source: Berenzentsev & Brinch Hansen

Small displacement 0.75 - 1.25
Bored & cast in situ piles 0.7 – 1.0
Jetted piles 0.5 - 0.7

Pile/soil interface δ
Smooth steel/sand 0.5φ - 0.7φ
Rough steel/sand 0.7φ - 0.9φ
Precast concrete/sand 0.8φ - 1.0φ
Cast-in-place concrete/sand 1.0φ
Timber/sand 0.8φ - 0.9φ

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Determining the Load Capacity of Piles
1) Load Capacity in Cohesionless Soils (c = 0)
Pile type and lateral earth pressure coefficient, K

Pile type and pile skin friction angle

Typical values for δ and K suggested by Broms (1966)

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Determining the Load Capacity of Piles
2) Load Capacity in Cohesive Soils (ϕ = 0) qs,k = αcu

▪ Base Resistance ▪ Shaft Resistance D/L

𝑄𝑏 = 𝑞𝑏 ∙ 𝐴𝑏 𝑄𝑠 = 𝑞𝑠 ∙ 𝐴𝑠
0 0 B
𝑞𝑏 = 𝑐𝑁𝑐 + 𝑞𝑁𝑞 + 0.5𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾 ∴ 𝑞𝑠 = 𝛼𝑐𝑢
Where:
𝑞𝑏 = 𝑐𝑢 𝑁𝑐 ∴ 𝑞𝑏 = 9𝑐𝑢 𝛼 = Reduction or Adhesion friction factor.
1.0

0.8
Source: Skempton (1951)

Reduction Factor, 
0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 100 200

Average Undrained Shear Strength, s u (kPa)

REDUCTION FACTOR  vs UNDRAINED SHEAR STRENGTH

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti FOR PILES IN CLAY 30
Source of Soil Parameters
▪ Experience (Guess ……)
▪ Previous work or published information
▪ Laboratory tests
▪ In situ tests:
o Standard penetration test (SPT)
o Cone penetration test (CPT)
o Pressuremeter test
o Seismic tests

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Example – Load Capacity of Piles
EXAMPLE 1: Cohesive Soils (ϕ = 0)
▪ A 10 m long pile, 1 m in diameter where the site consists of a 6 m layer of soft
clay with cu = 25 kPa overlying a deep deposit of stiff clay with cu = 120 kPa.
The soil has sat = 18 kN/m3 and the pile is constructed from reinforced
concrete. Qu

6m cu = 25 kPa

sat = 18 kN/m3

4m cu = 120 kPa

REQUIRED:
o Determine the ultimate axial load of the pile.

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Example – Load Capacity of Piles
SOLUTION:

1. Shaft Resistance
qs,k = αcu
Average Shear Stress:
𝐿 D/L
1
𝑞𝑠 = න 𝑞𝑠 ∙ 𝑑𝑧
𝐿
0
B
1 1.0
1.0
𝑞𝑠 = (𝛼 𝑐 𝑧 + 𝛼2 𝑐𝑢2 𝑧2 )
10 1 𝑢1 1
1 0.8
0.8
𝑞𝑠 = (1 × 25 × 6 + 0.43 × 120 × 4)
10

Reduction Factor, 

Reduction Factor, 
0.6
0.6
∴ 𝑞𝑠 = 𝟑𝟓. 𝟔 𝒌𝑷𝒂
0.43
0.4
Ultimate Shear Capacity: 0.4

𝑄𝑠 = 𝑞𝑠 ∙ 𝐴𝑠
0.2
0.2
𝑄𝑠 = (35.6)(𝜋 × 1 × 10)

∴ 𝑄𝑠 = 𝟏 𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝒌𝑵 0
0

120
25

0 100 200
0 100 200
Average Undrained Shear Strength, s u (kPa)
Average Undrained Shear Strength, s u (kPa)
TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 33
REDUCTION FACTOR  vs UNDRAINED SHEAR STRENGTH
REDUCTION FACTOR  vs UNDRAINED SHEAR STRENGTH
Example – Load Capacity of Piles
SOLUTION:

2. Base Resistance
qs,k = αcu
𝑞𝑏 = 𝑐𝑢 𝑁𝑐
𝐿
𝑞𝑏 = (120)(9) = 10 → 𝑁𝑐 = 9 D/L
𝐷
∴ 𝑞𝑏 = 𝟏𝟎𝟖𝟎 𝒌𝑷𝒂
B
Ultimate Base Capacity:
𝑄𝑏 = 𝑞𝑏 ∙ 𝐴𝑏
(𝜋)(1)2 (1080)
𝑄𝑏 =
4
∴ 𝑄𝑏 = 𝟖𝟓𝟎 𝒌𝑵

3. Ultimate Axial Capacity

𝑄𝑢 = 𝑄𝑠 + 𝑄𝑏

𝑄𝑢 = 1120 + (850)

∴ 𝑄𝑢 = 𝟏 𝟗𝟕𝟎 𝒌𝑵
TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 34
Example – Load Capacity of Piles
EXAMPLE 2: Cohesionless Soils (c = 0)
▪ A 0.5 m diameter, 12 m long round concrete pile is driven into a sandy soil
stratum as shown.
A

Sand Layer 1
5m  = 30º
1 = 17.3 kN/m3
B

12 m Sand Layer 2
7m  = 32º
2 = 16.9 kN/m3

C
REQUIRED:
o If the pile is penetrating through multiple sand layers with no groundwater
present, compute:
a) Ultimate bearing capacity
b) Allowable bearing capacity
TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 35
Example – Load Capacity of Piles
SOLUTION:

1. Base Resistance 𝑞𝑏 = 𝜎′𝑣 ∙ 𝑁𝑞

Effective stress at the base of the pile:

𝜎′𝑣 = 17.3 × 5 + 16.9 × 7
𝜎′𝑣 = 204.8 𝑘𝑃𝑎
Find Nq using Graph: 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝜙 = 32°: (Berezantsev)
𝐷
= 24 → 𝑁𝑞 = 29
Therefore: 𝐵
∴ 𝑞𝑏 = 204.8 29 = 5939.2 𝑘𝑃𝑎

Ultimate Base Capacity:

𝑄𝑏 = 𝑞𝑏 ∙ 𝐴𝑏
(𝜋)(0.5)2 (5939.2)
𝑄𝑏 =
4
∴ 𝑄𝑏 = 𝟏 𝟏𝟔𝟔. 𝟐 𝒌𝑵

Note: The  value of the bottom sand layer is used to find Nq, since the tip of the pile lies on the bottom sand layer.

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 36

Example – Load Capacity of Piles
SOLUTION:

2. Shaft Resistance 𝑞𝑠 = 𝐾 ∙ 𝜎′𝑣 ∙ 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛿

Shaft capacity of pile needs to be determined in

two parts:
a) Shaft capacity of pile in sand layer 1 (A-B)
b) Shaft capacity of pile in sand layer 2 (B-C)
(a) Sand Layer 1 (A-B):
Effective stress at midpoint of the pile in layer 1:
𝜎′𝑣 = 17.3 × 2.5 = 43.3 𝑘𝑃𝑎
For concrete and driven piles:
3
𝛿 = ∙ 30 = 22.5° 𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝐾 = 1.25
4
Installation method K
Therefore: 𝐴𝑠 = 𝜋 ∙ 𝑑 ∙ 𝐿 Large displacement 1.0 – 2.0
𝑄𝑠1 = 𝑞𝑠 ∙ 𝐴𝑠
Small displacement 0.75 - 1.25
𝑄𝑠1 = 1.25 43.3 tan(22.5) ∙ (𝜋 × 0.5 × 5) Bored & cast in situ piles 0.7 – 1.0

∴ 𝑄𝑠1 = 𝟏𝟕𝟔. 𝟏 𝒌𝑵 Jetted piles 0.5 - 0.7

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 37

Example – Load Capacity of Piles
SOLUTION:

2. Shaft Resistance 𝑞𝑠 = 𝐾 ∙ 𝜎′𝑣 ∙ 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛿

(b) Sand Layer 2 (B-C):
Effective stress at midpoint of the pile in layer 2:
𝜎′𝑣 = 17.3 × 5 (16.9 × 3.5) = 145.7 𝑘𝑃𝑎
For concrete and driven piles :
3
𝛿 = ∙ 32 = 24.0° 𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝐾 = 1.25
4
𝐴𝑠 = 𝜋 ∙ 𝑑 ∙ 𝐿
Therefore:
𝑄𝑠2 = 𝑞𝑠 ∙ 𝐴𝑠
𝑄𝑠2 = 1.25 145.7 tan(24) ∙ (𝜋 × 0.5 × 7)
∴ 𝑄𝑠2 = 𝟖𝟗𝟏. 𝟔 𝒌𝑵
Installation method K
Ultimate Shaft Capacity: Large displacement 1.0 – 2.0
𝑄𝑠 = 𝑄𝑠1 + 𝑄𝑠2 Small displacement 0.75 - 1.25
Bored & cast in situ piles 0.7 – 1.0
𝑄𝑠 = (176.1) + (891.6)
Jetted piles 0.5 - 0.7
𝑄𝑠 = 𝟏𝟎𝟔𝟕. 𝟕 𝒌𝑵
TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 38
Example – Load Capacity of Piles
SOLUTION:

3. Ultimate Bearing Capacity

𝑄𝑢 = 𝑄𝑠 + 𝑄𝑏

𝑄𝑢 = 1067.7 + (1166.2)

∴ 𝑄𝑢 = 𝟐 𝟐𝟑𝟑. 𝟗 𝒌𝑵

4. Allowable Bearing Capacity

𝑄𝑢𝑙𝑡
Recall: 𝑄𝑎𝑙𝑙 =
𝐹𝑆

𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝐹𝑆 = 3.0

Therefore:
(2233.9)
∴ 𝑄𝑎𝑙𝑙 = = 𝟕𝟒𝟒. 𝟔 𝒌𝑵
(3)

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 39

Example – Load Capacity of Piles
EXAMPLE 3: Cohesionless Soils (c = 0)
▪ A 0.5 m diameter, 15 m long round concrete pile is driven into a sandy soil
stratum as shown.
A

3m Sand Layer 1
5m  = 30º
B 1 = 17.3 kN/m3

C
15 m Sand Layer 2
10 m  = 32º
2 = 16.9 kN/m3

D
REQUIRED:
o If the pile is penetrating through multiple sand layers with the groundwater
located at 3 m below the surface, compute:
a) Ultimate bearing capacity
b) Allowable bearing capacity
TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 40
Example – Load Capacity of Piles
SOLUTION:

1. Base Resistance 𝑞𝑏 = 𝜎′𝑣 ∙ 𝑁𝑞

Effective stress at the base of the pile:

𝜎′𝑣 = 17.3 × 3 + 7.49 × 2 + 7.09 × 10
𝜎′𝑣 = 137.9 𝑘𝑃𝑎
Find Nq using Graph: 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝜙 = 32°: (Berezantsev)
𝐷
= 24 → 𝑁𝑞 = 29
Therefore: 𝐵
∴ 𝑞𝑏 = 137.9 29 = 3999.1 𝑘𝑃𝑎

Ultimate Base Capacity:

𝑄𝑏 = 𝑞𝑏 ∙ 𝐴𝑏
(𝜋)(0.5)2 (3999.1)
𝑄𝑏 =
4
∴ 𝑄𝑏 = 𝟕𝟖𝟓. 𝟐 𝒌𝑵

Note: The  value of the bottom sand layer is used to find Nq, since the tip of the pile lies on the bottom sand layer.

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 41

Example – Load Capacity of Piles
SOLUTION:

2. Shaft Resistance 𝑞𝑠 = 𝐾 ∙ 𝜎′𝑣 ∙ 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛿

Shaft capacity to be determined in three parts:

a) In sand layer 1 – Above GWT (A - B)
b) In sand layer 1 – Below GWT (B - C)
c) In sand layer 2 – Below GWT (C - D)
(a) Sand Layer 1 – Above GWT (A - B):
Effective stress at midpoint of the pile in layer 1:
𝜎′𝑣 = 17.3 × 1.5 = 26.0 𝑘𝑃𝑎
For concrete and driven piles :
3
𝛿 = ∙ 30 = 22.5° 𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝐾 = 1.25
4
𝐴𝑠 = 𝜋 ∙ 𝑑 ∙ 𝐿 Installation method K
Therefore:
Large displacement 1.0 – 2.0
𝑄𝑠1 = 𝑞𝑠 ∙ 𝐴𝑠
Small displacement 0.75 - 1.25
𝑄𝑠1 = 1.25 26 tan(22.5) ∙ (𝜋 × 0.5 × 3) Bored & cast in situ piles 0.7 – 1.0

∴ 𝑄𝑠1 = 𝟔𝟑. 𝟒 𝒌𝑵 Jetted piles 0.5 - 0.7

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 42

Example – Load Capacity of Piles
SOLUTION:

2. Shaft Resistance 𝑞𝑠 = 𝐾 ∙ 𝜎′𝑣 ∙ 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝛿

(b) Sand Layer 1 – Below GWT (B - C):
Effective stress at midpoint of the pile in layer 1:
𝜎′𝑣 = 17.3 × 3 (7.49 × 1) = 59.4 𝑘𝑃𝑎
Therefore: 𝛿 = 22.5° 𝐾 = 1.25
𝑄𝑠2 = 1.25 59.4 tan(22.5) ∙ (𝜋 × 0.5 × 2)
∴ 𝑄𝑠2 = 𝟗𝟔. 𝟔 𝒌𝑵
(c) Sand Layer 2 – Below GWT (C - D):
Effective stress at midpoint of the pile in layer 2:
𝜎′𝑣 = 17.3 × 3 (7.49 × 2)(7.09 × 5) = 102.4 𝑘𝑃𝑎
3 Installation method K
Therefore: 𝛿 = ∙ 32 = 24.0°
4 Large displacement 1.0 – 2.0
Small displacement 0.75 - 1.25
𝑄𝑠3 = 1.25 102.4 tan(24) ∙ (𝜋 × 0.5 × 10)
Bored & cast in situ piles 0.7 – 1.0
∴ 𝑄𝑠3 = 𝟖𝟗𝟓. 𝟐 𝒌𝑵 Jetted piles 0.5 - 0.7

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 43

Example – Load Capacity of Piles
SOLUTION:
Ultimate Shaft Capacity:
𝑄𝑠 = 𝑄𝑠1 + 𝑄𝑠2 + 𝑄3
𝑄𝑠 = (63.4) + (96.6) + (895.2)
𝑄𝑠 = 𝟏 𝟎𝟓𝟒. 𝟖 𝒌𝑵

3. Ultimate Bearing Capacity

𝑄𝑢 = 𝑄𝑠 + 𝑄𝑏
𝑄𝑢 = 1054.8 + (785.2)

∴ 𝑄𝑢 = 𝟏 𝟖𝟒𝟎. 𝟒 𝒌𝑵

4. Allowable Bearing Capacity

𝑄𝑢𝑙𝑡
Recall: 𝑄𝑎𝑙𝑙 = 𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝐹𝑆 = 3.0
𝐹𝑆
Therefore:
(1840.4)
∴ 𝑄𝑎𝑙𝑙 = = 𝟔𝟏𝟑. 𝟓 𝒌𝑵
(3)
TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 44
Group Piles

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 45

Ultimate Load Capacity of Group Piles
▪ To support a large foundation load and eccentric loading, piles are often
installed in groups.
▪ A pile cap is constructed over a group of piles to connect the piles together.
▪ Due to the close spacing between individual piles in a pile group, there is an
overlap in the soil zones that are affected by the piles, known as the stress
zones.
▪ Consequently, the ultimate bearing capacity of a pile group may be different
from the sum of the ultimate bearing capacity of individual piles.

Source: Smith (2014)

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 46

Typical Arrangements of Group Piles
▪ Piles can be arranged in square, rectangle, circular, octagonal groups, or in pile
rows and their heads are connected via a reinforced concrete pile cap of
adequate thickness.

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 47

Typical Arrangements of Group Piles
Pile Group Dimensions: 3-D

D
Pile Cap

Source: Xiao (2015)

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 48

Typical Arrangements of Group Piles

Source: Kalumba (2020)

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 49

Case Study: Jeddar/Kingdom Tower

Source: Kalumba (2020)

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 50

Case Study: Jeddar/Kingdom Tower

Source: Kalumba (2020)

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 51
Load Capacity of Group Piles
▪ Single equivalent large pile concept for a group (block failure)

Column load

Soil embedded between

piles acts along with the Perimeter
group as a unit

Skin friction on
perimeter of the
group
End bearing on plan
area (base area) of
the group

Source: Kalumba (2020)

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 52

Load Capacity of Group Piles
1. Shaft Resistance 2. Base Resistance

𝑄𝑠(𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑝) = 2(𝐴 + 𝐵) ∙ 𝐿 ∙ 𝑞𝑠 𝑄𝑏(𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑝) = (𝐴 ∙ 𝐵) ∙ 𝑞𝑏

L
B

PLAN VIEW ELEVATION

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 53

Efficiency of Group Piles
▪ The Efficiency of a pile group (𝜂) is defined as:
𝑄𝑢(𝑔)
𝜂=
𝑛 ∙ 𝑄𝑢
Where:
𝜂 = Pile group efficiency.
𝑄𝑢(𝑔) = Ultimate bearing capacity of pile group.
𝑛 = Number of piles in the pile group.
𝑄𝑢 = Ultimate bearing capacity of an individual pile in the pile group.

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 54

Pile Group Efficiency
▪ The following tables uses AASHTO guidelines for pile group efficiency.
(a) Pile Group Efficiency for Clayey Soils.

(b) Pile Group Efficiency for Sandy Soils.

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 55

Example – Load Capacity of Group Piles
EXAMPLE 4: Cohesive Soils (ϕ = 0)
▪ Design a square reinforced concrete pile group to carry 400 kN in clay with
undrained shear strength, cu = 30 kN/m2. The bored piles are to be 30 cm in
diameter and 6 m long.

6.0 m
?

0.3 m

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 56

Example – Load Capacity of Group Piles
SOLUTION:
1. Shaft Resistance of Single Pile
𝑄𝑠 = 𝑞𝑠 ∙ 𝐴𝑠
𝑄𝑠 = α ∙ 𝑐𝑢 ∙ 𝜋 ∙ 𝐷 ∙ 𝐿
𝑄𝑠 = 1 × 30 × 𝜋 × 0.3 × 6
∴ 𝑄𝑠 = 𝟏𝟔𝟗. 𝟔 𝒌𝑵

2. Base Resistance of Single Pile 𝑞𝑏 = 𝑐𝑢 𝑁𝑐

𝑄𝑏 = 𝑞𝑏 ∙ 𝐴𝑏
(9) ∙ (30) ∙ (𝜋) ∙ (0.3)2
𝑄𝑏 =
4
∴ 𝑄𝑏 = 𝟏𝟗. 𝟏 𝒌𝑵

3. Ultimate Single Pile Load Capacity

𝑄𝑢 = 𝑄𝑠 + 𝑄𝑏
𝑄𝑢 = 169.6 + (19.1)
∴ 𝑄𝑢 = 𝟏𝟖𝟖. 𝟔 𝒌𝑵

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 57

Example – Load Capacity of Group Piles
SOLUTION:
4. Allowable Bearing Load per Pile
(188.6)
∴ 𝑄𝑎𝑙𝑙 = = 𝟔𝟐. 𝟗 𝒌𝑵 𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝐹𝑆 = 3.0
(3)
B = 2.1 m
Approximate number of piles (n) required:
A
(400)
𝑛= ≈ 𝟕 (𝟔. 𝟒)
(62.9)
Try a square 9-pile group with centre-to-centre spacing of 90
cm – some text recommend bored piles to be spaced at least
3 times their diameter:

L=6m
15 cm
90 cm

Pile spacing centre-to-centre

90
210 cm ∴ 𝑜𝑓 𝐷 = 𝟑𝑫
30

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 58

Example – Load Capacity of Group Piles
SOLUTION:
Shaft Resistance of Group Pile
𝑄𝑠(𝑔) = 𝑞𝑠 ∙ 𝐴𝑠
𝑄𝑠(𝑔) = α ∙ 𝑐𝑢 ∙ 4 ∙ 𝐷 ∙ 𝐿
𝑄𝑠(𝑔) = (1)(30)(4)(2.1)(6)
∴ 𝑄𝑠(𝑔) = 𝟏 𝟓𝟏𝟐. 𝟎 𝒌𝑵

Base Resistance of Group Pile 𝑞𝑏 = 𝑐𝑢 𝑁𝑐

𝑄𝑏(𝑔) = 𝑞𝑏 ∙ 𝐴𝑏
𝑄𝑏(𝑔) = 𝑐𝑢 ∙ 𝑁𝑐 ∙ 𝐴𝑏 L/D = 6/2.1 = 2.86
𝑄𝑏(𝑔) = (30)(8.9)(2.1 × 2.1)
∴ 𝑄𝑏(𝑔) = 𝟏 𝟏𝟕𝟕. 𝟓 𝒌𝑵

Ultimate Group Pile Load Capacity

𝑄𝑢(𝑔) = 𝑄𝑠(𝑔) + 𝑄𝑏(𝑔)
𝑄𝑢(𝑔) = (1512) + (1177.5)
∴ 𝑄𝑢(𝑔) = 𝟐 𝟔𝟖𝟗. 𝟔 𝒌𝑵

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 59

Example – Load Capacity of Group Piles
SOLUTION:
Allowable Bearing Load of Group Pile/Block
(2689.6)
∴ 𝑄𝑎𝑙𝑙(𝑔) = = 𝟖𝟗𝟔. 𝟓 𝒌𝑵 𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝐹𝑆 = 3.0
(3)
B = 2.1 m
Recall: 𝑄𝑎𝑙𝑙 = 𝟔𝟐. 𝟗 𝒌𝑵
A
Therefore:

∴ 𝑄𝑎𝑙𝑙(𝑔) = 62.9 × 9 = 𝟓𝟔𝟔. 𝟏 𝒌𝑵

Conclusion:

L=6m
o In this case, the lesser of the two, i.e., the individual
pile failure governs the design.
o And since 566.1 kN is more than the load of 400 kN,
the arrangement is satisfactory from the load
carrying point of view.

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 60

References
▪ Kalumba, D. (2020), Geotechnical Engineering II - Lecture Notes,
University of Cape Town (UCT).
▪ Xiao, M. (2015), “Geotechnical Engineering Design”, First Edition, John
Wiley & Sons, ISBN: 978-0-4706-3223-9.
▪ Das, B. M. (2014), “Principles of Geotechnical Engineering”, Eighth
Edition, CENGAGE Learning, ISBN-13: 978-1-133-10867-2
▪ Smith, I. (2014) “Elements of Soil Mechanics”, Ninth Edition, John Wiley
& Sons. ISBN: 978-0-470-67339-3.
▪ Gunaratne, M. (2006) “The Foundation Engineering Handbook”, Taylor
& Francis Group. ISBN: 978-0-8493-1159-8.
▪ Murphy, V.N.F. (2002), “Geotechnical Engineering: Principles and
Practices of Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering”, Frist Edition.
Spon Press, ISBN: 978-0-824-70873-3.

TCVG3711 – Mr. S.S. Muluti 61