Numerical analysis of axially loaded boroed piles in sand

The behavior of bored piles in dry sand under axial loading was studied. A numerical model has been developed using finite element technique to study the effect of different soil and pile parameters on the pile behavior. It is of interest to note that beside the governing parameters listed in literature, the pile diameter plays a paramount role in determining both the base resistance and the shaft resistance of these piles. It was found that the pile roughness has a major effect on the pile capacity. The effect of pile embedment depth on both shaft and base resistance was investigated.The shaft resistance of piles in sand was calculated for piles under compression and tension or uplift loads. It was found that the shaft resistance of piles under tension is always smaller than the shaft resistance of piles under compression. The average between the tensile to compressive shaft capacity is about 0.76.