A study on characteristics of negative skin friction on model pile

In many cases of foundation structures on soft soils, pile foundation proves to be the logical and economical choice. However, the use of pile foundation is not limited to soft ground. Current method of predicting downdrag forces along the pile shaft in clay could overpredict the estimated capacity. Therefore, understanding the nature and the behavior of downdrag forces along the pile shaft is essential. This paper describes the measurement of negative skin friction forces on the model piles driven in the cylindrical chamber filled with remolded marine clay. Three instrumented systems, load cells were installed on the model piles consisted of three parts to measure the negative skin friction forces independently. Pore pressures and ground movements in the ground were monitored throughout the period of investigation. The results were analyzed and discussed in this paper.