Behaviour of flexible piles in layered sands under eccentric and inclined loads

The lateral soil pressures, bending moments, pile displacements at ground surface, and bearing capacity of instrumented vertical single flexible model piles in layered sands consisting of loose sand overlying compact sand under vertical eccentric and central inclined loads have been investigated. The results of these load tests are compared with theoretical estimates based on the concept of an effective embedment depth of equivalent rigid piles. Reasonable agreement has been found between the observed and predicted behaviour of flexible piles. The analyses are also compared with the results of some field case records. Key words : bearing capacity, instrumentation, model test, layered soil, pile, sand.

Bearing capacity of foundations on a weak sand layer overlying a strong deposit

The ultimate bearing capacity of footings resting on subsoils consisting of a weak sand layer overlying a strong deposit has been investigated. Based on model tests of strip and circular footings in a loose or compact sand layer overlying a dense sand deposit, the classical equation of bearing capacity of footings on homogeneous sand was extended to cover cases of these footings in layered sands where the upper layer is the weaker. The theory compared well with the available model test results. Design charts are presented.