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Pile Capacity (Axial)

α-method for cohesive layers, β-method for cohesionless layers, plus end bearing. Layered soil profile, capacity vs depth chart, and allowable load with FS.

Inputs

m
m
2.0–3.0 typical
m below ground
kN/m³
For clay: c = undrained shear strength su, last = α (or 0 to auto). For sand: φ in degrees, last = β (skin) override or 0 for K·tanδ default.
Methods
  • α-method (clay, undrained): fs = α·su; α from API: 1.0 if su≤25 kPa, 0.5 if ≥75 kPa, linear between.
  • β-method (sand, drained): fs = β·σ'v; β = K·tan(δ), default β = 0.27–0.50 by φ.
  • End bearing (clay): qp = 9·su,tip (Skempton).
  • End bearing (sand): qp = σ'v,tip·Nq with Nq from φ (Vesic).
  • Effective stress σ'v uses buoyant γ below water table.
  • Qult = ΣQs + Qp; Qallow = Qult/FS.

Results

Pile Perimeter
Pile Tip Area Ap
σ'v at tip
Skin Friction Qs
End Bearing Qp
Ultimate Capacity Qult
Allowable Qallow
LayerTypeDepthfs (kPa)Qs,layer (kN)