Evaluation of Group Effect of Pile Group under Dragload Embedded in Clay

A simple semi-empirical analysis method for predicting the group effect of pile group under dragload embedded in clay was described assuming an effective influence area around various locations of pile group. Various pile and soil parameters such as the array of pile group, spacing of the piles (S), embedment length to diameter ratio of piles (L/D) and the soil properties such as density (γ), angle of internal friction (φ) and pile-soil interface friction coefficient (μ) were considered in the analysis. Model test for dragload of pile group on viscosity soil layer under surface load consolidation conditions was studied. The variations of dragload of pile, resistance of pile tip and the layered settlement of soil with consolidation time were measured. In order to perform comparative analysis, single pile was tested in the same conditions. The predicted group effect values of pile group under dragload were then compared with model test results carried out as a part of the present investigation and also with the values reported in literatures. The predicted values were found to be in good agreement with the measured values, validating the developed analysis method. The model test results show that negative skin friction of pile shaft will reach 80%-90% of its maximum value, when pile-soil relative displacement reaches 2 mm.