PILE GROUPS SUBJECTED TO VERTICAL LOADS

CIVIL ENGINEERING, B-TECH, YEAR-3RD, 6TH SEM

PRESENTED BY:
RITWIK PAUL ROLL NO- 27901322001
 Pile groups are foundation systems that involve closely spaced
and interconnected piles, collectively distributing vertical loads to
enhance load-bearing capacity. Unlike individual piles, this configuration
mitigates issues like differential settlement. The concept is vital in
geotechnical engineering, offering efficient and stable foundations for
large structures. Understanding pile group behaviour involves analysing
load distribution and interactions influenced by factors such as soil
properties and pile cap design. Understanding the behaviour of
structures under vertical loads is crucial for ensuring their safety,
stability, and longevity. It enables engineers to design foundations that
can withstand the expected loads, preventing issues such as settlement,
tilting, or failure. This knowledge is fundamental in constructing resilient
and reliable structures, minimizing the risk of structural damage and
ensuring the overall safety of buildings and infrastructure.

Definition of Pile Groups: Briefly define what pile groups are. Mention
that they consist of multiple piles closely spaced or grouped together to
support vertical loads.
1. Spacing:
• Definition: Pile spacing refers to the distance between adjacent piles in
a pile group.
• Influence: Closer spacing enhances load distribution, reduces
differential settlement, and improves group efficiency.
• Considerations: Soil properties, load magnitude, and foundation design
dictate optimal spacing.
2. Arrangement:
a) Clustering vs. Spreading:
• Clustering: Piles grouped closely together; beneficial for reducing
differential settlement.
• Spreading: Piles arranged uniformly; provides more even load
distribution.
b) Optimization: Consider soil conditions and structural requirements for
the most suitable arrangement.
Understanding how structures respond to vertical loads, especially in pile groups, is
critical for:

Safety: Ensures the stability and safety of buildings, bridges, and infrastructure.
Risk Mitigation: Identifies and addresses potential issues like settlement and structural
failure.
Optimized Design: Enables cost-effective and efficient pile arrangement in construction.
Code Compliance: Ensures adherence to building codes and safety standards.
Long-Term Performance: Predicts and enhances the durability of structures, minimizing
maintenance costs.

Load Transfer from Structure to Piles:

• Vertical loads from the structure are transmitted to the foundation through a pile
cap.
• Piles resist loads through skin friction and end-bearing capacity.
• Efficient load transfer is crucial for stability and integrity.

Distribution of Loads in Pile Groups:

• Loads in a pile group distribute based on pile stiffness, spacing, and arrangement.
• Stiffer piles attract more load.
• Pile spacing, group arrangement, and cap design influence even load distribution.
• Optimizing these factors prevents uneven settlements and ensures stability.
Types of Vertical Loads:

1.Dead Loads:
Definition: Permanent, constant loads exerted by the structure itself and
non-moving components.
Examples: The weight of the building, foundation, permanent fixtures,
and non-movable equipment.
2.Live Loads:
Definition: Temporary and variable loads caused by the occupancy and
use of the structure.
Examples: People, furniture, vehicles, and other dynamic elements.
3.Snow Loads: Loads imposed by the accumulation of snow on roofs and
other elevated surfaces.
4.Wind Loads:
Definition: Forces exerted by wind on the exposed surfaces of a
structure.
5.Other Vertical Loads:
Equipment Loads: Loads from machinery, HVAC systems, and other
equipment.
To a great extent the design and calculation (load analysis) of pile foundations is carried out using computer
software. For some special cases, calculations can be carried out using the following methods......For a
simple understanding of the method, let us assume that the following conditions are satisfied:

The pile is rigid

The pile is pinned at the top and at the bottom

Each pile receives the load only vertically (i.e. axially applied );
The force P acting on the pile is proportional to the displacement U due to
compression
∴ P = k.U ……………………………………………1
Since P = E.A
E.A = k.U ……………………………………………2
k=E.A/U ……………………………………………3
where:
P = vertical load component
k = material constant
U = displacement
E = elastic module of pile material
A = cross-sectional area of pile
The length L should not necessarily be equal to the actual length of the pile.
In a group of piles, If all piles are of the same material, have same cross-
sectional area and equal length L , then the value of k is the same for all
piles in the group.

Let us assume that the vertical load on the pile group results in vertical,
lateral and torsion movements. Further, let us assume that for each pile in the
group, these movements are small and are caused by the component of the
vertical load experienced by the pile. The formulae in the forthcoming
sections which are used in the calculation of pile loads, are based on
these assumptions.

Pile foundations: vertical piles

Here the pile cap is causing the vertical compression U, whose magnitude is
equal for all
members of the group. If Q (the vertical force acting on the pile group) is
applied at the neutral
axis of the pile group, then the force on a single pile will be as follows :
 …………………………………………..4
where:
Pv = vertical component of the load on any pile from the resultant load Q
n = number of vertical piles in the group (see fig3.4)
Q = total vertical load on pile group
If the same group of piles are subjected to an eccentric load Q which is causing
rotation around
axis z (see fig 1); then for the pile i at distance rxi from axis z:
……………..5

θ is a small angle ∴ tanθ ≈ θ see figure 2.)

Pi = force (load on a single pile i
Ui = displacement caused by the eccentric force (load) Q
rxi = distance between pile and neutral axis of pile group;
rxi positive measured the same direction as e and negative when in the
opposite direction.
e = distance between point of intersection of resultant of vertical and
horizontal loading with underside
Fig:2
of pile (see figure 3)
The sum of all the forces acting on the piles should be zero ⇔
 ……………….6
If we assume that the forces on the piles are causing a moment M
about axis z-z then the sum of moments about axis z-z should be
zero (see figure 1)

…………………7
from e.q. 2 we see that
MZ = ∑ MZ

∴ ………………..3.8
applying the same principle, in the x direction we get equivalent
equation. If we assume that the moment MX and MZ generated by
the force Q are acting on a group of pile, then the sum of forces
acting on a single pile will be as follows:

…………………3.9
if we dividing each term by the cross-sectional area of the pile, A,
we can establish the working
stream σ :
Fig:3
THANK YOU