Centrifuge studies of single and group displacement piles in clay

Abstract

A series of model pile tests has been performed using the University of Western Australia drum centrifuge to study the axial performance of single and group displacement piles in clay. Open and closed-ended piles were jacked into kaolin clay with an overconsolidation ratio of 2. Each group comprised five piles at spacing ratios, s/D, of 2, 3, & 4 and was subjected to compressive loading followed by tensile loading. Single piles were also installed and tested in the same way as the group piles to provide a reference for comparison of the pile groups' performance. The results provide useful insights into the significant influence of pile tip area ratio (Ar) and spacing ratio (s/D) on the stiffness and capacity of single and group piles in clay. Show more