Ultimate pile capacity in layered soil under eccentric and inclined loads

The ultimate bearing capacity of rigid model piles and pile groups in layered soil consisting of clay overlying sand has been investigated for various combinations of eccentricity and inclination of load and with varying thicknesses of clay layer. The effect of eccentricity and inclination of the load and thickness ratios of clay layer to pile embedment in the sand on the bearing capacity can be represented by simple interaction relationships to estimate the ultimate load. The results of load tests on single model piles and freestanding pile groups are presented in the form of polar bearing capacity diagrams and are compared with the theoretical estimates. The thickness of clay layer on the sand is found to have a significant influence on the bearing capacity of single piles and pile groups. Key words: pile foundation, model test, layered soil, eccentric load, inclined load, sand, clay, analysis, bearing capacity.