Bearing capacity of

Piles in group

By:
Alka Shah
Assistant professor
Civil Department
Nirma University
Plie Group
 Plie Group

Generally Qug ≠ n Qu

Qug = ultimate load

capacity of pile group

n = number of piles in
group
➢ But soil between the individual piles may become locked due to densification
from driving and group may tend to behave as an equivalent single large pile
➢ These tend to increase the group capacity to be greater then the sum of
capacities of the individual piles
 Ultimate Load Carrying Capacity of Pile Group

➢ Ultimate load carrying capacity of pile group is select as smaller of the two
values determined from below two criteria:

1. Qug = n Qu
2. Qug = pile group as a equivalent single large pile (consider as a block)

➢ Efficiency of pile group = 𝞰g = Qug/n Qu

Spacing of Piles 2.5 B to 3.5 B is preferable
Negative Skin Friction
Negative Skin Friction

Negative Skin
Friction
Negative Skin Friction
 Pile Group Settlement

➢ In group of pile all pile set equally due to rigidity of pile cap
➢ But settlement of group is more then the single pile due to stress zone
➢ Pile group in clay fail due to settlement then the bearing pressure
➢ Settlement of pile group is determine by assuming the entire pile group as an
equivalent raft located at depth 2/3 D
➢ Load distribution diagram is also shown
➢ Width of raft = {B + 2 (1/4) * (2/3 D)}