Response prediction for axially loaded pile groups in clays using 3D nonlinear analysis

The objective of this paper is to quantify the effect of the interaction between the piles of a group under axial loading in clayey soils. Three dimensional parametric nonlinear analysis was carried out for various pile group configurations. Reduction factors for estimating the group bearing capacity are proposed in tabular form while the variation of the stiffness of a group with the settlement level and pile arrangements is illustrated. The validity of a proposed relationship for estimating the response of pile groups is also examined.