A DESIGN METHOD FOR FOOTING BEAMS SUPPORTED WITH ROTARY PENETRATION SMALL SIZE STEEL PILES AND SOIL SPRINGS

Abstract

Rotary penetration small size steel piles are used for foundation systems of light weight structures such as residential buildings. But, compared to construction cost, exact calculation of the bearing capacity of such footings mobilizing both soil and pile reactions is rather complex. A simple and rational design method for such footings is proposed and examined. In the method, the stiffness of soils and steel piles are separately evaluated based on Sweden Sounding Test, and then, the complex action mechanism of the foundation system including soil and pile reactions is studied. As a result, the evaluated stress in footing beams can be reduced to 50%, if the soil reaction is taken into account in addition to the pile reaction.