DOWNDRAG FORCES IN GROUP OF PILES

A method of analysis for evaluating downdrag forces on a pile group is described. It is an extension of the simplified boundary element procedure which has been used to estimate the behavior of a single pile subjected to negative friction by Poulos and Davis (1975). The analysis is used to determine the distribution of shear stress and downdrag force in pile groups arranged in a square configuration. The behavior of piles in a group is contrasted to that of a single isolated pile. The analysis is applied to a published field study to compare the theoretical and measured behavior of a group subjected to negative friction. It was found that the maximum downdrag force on the piles in the group decreases significantly as pile spacing decreases. Other findings are presented that relate to the following: the reduction in downdrag; inner piles; soil surface movement; and groups with rigid caps.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/07339410
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • Kuwabara, F
  • POULOS, H G
• Publication Date: 1989-6

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 806-818
• Serial:
  • Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
  • Volume: 115
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-9410

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Downwash; Pile groups; Shear stress; Support piles
• Old TRIS Terms: Pile behavior
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00485166
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Jun 30 1989 12:00AM