Variation of p-multipliers for pile groups in clayey soils

Abstract

A common approach to assess the diverse response of the piles forming a pile group is the p-multipliers method. Although several studies have been occupied with the estimation of p-multipliers, usually assigned for pile group rows, they lead to values corresponding to specific soil conditions and pile group configuration. The aim of this study is to evaluate the variation of the aforementioned factors and for this purpose the results of a parametric three-dimensional nonlinear numerical analysis were used. The influence of the number of piles, the spacing, the soil shear strength and the deflection level on p-multiplier values is discussed and compared with values proposed by other researchers. © 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.