Chapter 9: Pile Foundations - Groups Homework #7

Q1) For the (3  10) pile group shown in Fig. (1), determine the allowable group capacity using
FS = 3. Use Meyerhof’s method in computing the bearing resistance and the  - method
for the skin resistance.
Ans.:
W.T.

6𝑚
G.L.

Stiff clay
𝑐 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 𝑚
𝛾𝑠𝑎𝑡 𝑘𝑁/𝑚3

Soft clay
𝑐 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 𝑚
𝛾𝑠𝑎𝑡 8 3 𝑘𝑁/𝑚3

Dense sand
𝜙 3 𝑜 6𝑚
𝛾𝑠𝑎𝑡 𝑘𝑁/𝑚3
𝑘𝑠 8 6 6
Concrete pile (𝑑 3𝑚)

Fig. (1)

Q2) For the (3  5) pile group shown in Fig. (2), find the spacing (S) for which the ultimate
carrying capacity for both the single pile action and the group action are equals.
Ans.: = 0.36
W.T.

6𝑚
G.L.

Soft clay
𝑐 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 𝑚
𝛾𝑠𝑎𝑡 9 8 𝑘𝑁/𝑚3

Stiff clay
𝑐 8 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 8𝑚
𝛾𝑠𝑎𝑡 3 𝑘𝑁/𝑚3

Dense sand
𝜙 3 𝑜 6𝑚
𝛾𝑠𝑎𝑡 𝑘𝑁/𝑚3
𝑘𝑠 𝑆 𝑆

Concrete pile (𝑑 3𝑚)

Fig. (2)

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Chapter 9: Pile Foundations - Groups Homework #7

Q3) A pile group consists of three piles as shown in Fig. (3). The soil profile is similar to that
mentioned in Example (8.1). Estimate the safety factor with respect to soil shear failure.
[V = 1000 kN, M = 2500 kN.m, Neglect group action]
Ans.: = 1.31, 1.47

6 ° 6 °

𝑉
𝑀

𝑚 𝑚

Fig. (3)

Q4) Referring to Fig. (4), compute the vertical and horizontal forces on the corner piles (1, 2, 3,
and 4). Use the following data:
Vertical force Q Horizontal force H
Col.
(kN) (kN)
1 3000 1000
2 4500 1700
Ans.: 66

Q5) For the group of round piles (d = 0.5 m) shown in Fig. (5), if the max. design load for each
pile is 1000 kN and the column carries a total vertical load of 6000 kN.
a) Compute the efficiency of the group using Converse-Labarre equation.
b) If the piles A and B are damaged such that they cannot carry any load. Check the piles
(1, 2, 3, and 4) if they can carry the imposed load safely.
Ans.: 38 8 9 9

2
Chapter 9: Pile Foundations - Groups Homework #7

𝑚
𝑚
𝐶𝑜𝑙
𝑚
𝐴
𝑚 6𝑚

𝑚
𝑚

𝐵 𝑚
𝑚
𝑚
𝐶𝑜𝑙
3
𝑚
3

𝑚 Fig. (5)

Fig. (4)

Q6) For the pile group and soil profile shown in Fig. (6), calculate the:
a. Ultimate group capacity. Use the API method in estimating the adhesion factor.
b. Consolidation settlement (10 years) after construction, if the group is loaded to its
full working capacity, [FS = 2, use two sub-layers].
Ans.: 3

Q7) A square group of 25 piles extends between depth of 1 m and 13 m in a deposit of stiff
clay 25 m thickness overlying rock as shown in Fig. (7). The piles are 0.6 m diameter and
are spaced at 2 m centers in the group. The undrained shear strength of the clay at pile
pace level is 170 kN/m2 and the average value of the undrained strength over the depth of
the piles is 105 kN/m2. The adhesion factor () is 0.45, Young's modulus for soil (Es) is 65
MN/m2 and mv is 0.07 m2/MN. If the total load on the pile group is 12000 kN, determine
the safety factor and total settlement. Use four sub-layers.
Ans.: = 3.13; = 72 mm

3
Chapter 9: Pile Foundations - Groups Homework #7

1.2 1.2

0.48 m dia. precast

concrete vibro piles
1.2
m

Silt
1m 𝛾 6 𝑘𝑁/𝑚3
Loose Sand
1m 𝛾 𝑘𝑁/𝑚3 W.T.

𝑚 86𝑚 𝑚
3
𝛾𝑠𝑎𝑡 8 𝑘𝑁/𝑚 G.L.
8m 𝜙 3 𝑜
𝑚

𝛾𝑠𝑎𝑡 9 𝑘𝑁/𝑚3 𝑚
𝑐 𝑘𝑃𝑎
4m 𝐿𝐿 3
𝐺𝑠 6
𝑐𝑣 6 𝑚2 /𝑦𝑟

Stiff Clay

16 m

Rock
Fig. (7)

Sand

Fig. (6)

4
Chapter 9: Pile Foundations - Groups Homework #7

Q8) For the ground conditions and (1.2 m)-diameter bored pile shown in Fig. (8), state
whether (20 m) pile penetration is sufficient
- the unit negative skin friction in soft layer may be approximated as (0.25 σ'av).
- (20%) reduction of negative skin friction in soft layer is justified due to yielding of the
stiff clay.
- a safety factor of (1.5) is recommended.
- the average cohesion of the stiff clay layer is (90 kPa) at the surface of the layer,
increasing linearly to (430 kPa) at rockhead.
Ans.: = 2207.7 kN

2200 kN

Recent 𝛾 = 21 kN/m3
4.0 m Sand Fill 𝜙 = 30o
𝑘=1
𝛾 = 16 kN/m3
3.0 m Soft Clay
W.T.

2.5 m 𝛾𝑠𝑎𝑡 = 16 kN/m3

Stiff to
Hard Clay

35 m

Rock

Fig. (8)