A STUDY FOR GROUP-FACTOR OF PILE FOUNDATION

Abstract

Two simple methods for evaluating group-factors of pile foundation are proposed in this paper. These methods are based on parametric study using thin layer formulation. First method is to evaluate the group-factors of a large number of piles from those of a small number of piles. This method is derived from the characteristics that the group-factors are represented by the power function of the number of piles. Second method is to utilize the design equations of the group-factors for homogeneous and two layers soil. These equations are based on the distinct relationships between the group-factors and interaction factors. These two methods correspond well with the thin layer formulation.