COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN PACKAGE ON PILE FOUNDATIONS

Abstract

Pile foundations are designed by following a sequential step wise design procedure. These design steps can be broadly sub-categorized into (1) Selection of a Type of Pile (ii) Proportioning of a Pile Group and (111) Analysis of the Proportioned Pile Group to external loads and moments. Currently, these design steps are carried out manually in most of the design offices in our country and are subjected to various limitations. The selection of a type of pile is mainly governed by the available soil profile and the ,judgment of the designer. However the decision must be based on the technical aspects, type of construction, site constraints, economics, etc., which will result the selection to be more meaningful, rational and constructive. The requirement demands comprehensive examination of the various factors affecting the foundation performance in a scientific manner. Proportioning of pile groups involves a number of iterations and computations to evaluate the most appropriate pile length, pile size and pile safe capacity. In the process a large amount of data, and design parameters have to be handled. Further, suitable guidelines are to be adopted at various stages of design which requires experience and skill of the designer.