Axially loaded pile in consolidating soils

Axially loaded piles in some cities are embedded in layered soils where the upper soil layer is still consolidating. These piles will be subjected to the combined interactive action of an applied axial load and a drag load induced by the consolidating soil. Design charts are developed from extensive parametric studies to estimate the behaviour of axially loaded piles in consolidating soils including the effect of the delayed pile installation after the commencement of the consolidation. Direct design approach using these design charts can be used to achieve cost saving pile foundation design. A procedure is developed to design axially loaded piles in consolidating soils. Illustrative examples on the use of this procedure and the design charts of elasto-plastic load transfer theory for single piles and pile groups are presented.