The bearing capacity of rigid piles and pile groups under inclined loads in clay

Abstract

The ultimate bearing capacity of rigid vertical and batter piles and pile groups in clay has been determined under various inclinations of the load, varying from the vertical to horizontal directions. The results of load tests on single model piles of different lengths and inclinations and on free-standing groups and piled foundations are compared with theoretical estimates. The influence of load inclination on the bearing capacity can be represented by simple interaction relationships between the axial and normal components of the ultimate load. The effect of eccentricity of the load on the ultimate bearing capacity of pile groups is discussed on the basis of previous theory and model test results.