ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the ultimate load capacity of caissons and piles. For axially loaded piles as well as short piles and caissons subjected to general loading, ultimate load capacity is a fundamental input for sizing the anchor. Axial resistance of piles and caissons is strongly influenced by installation disturbance. Lateral loading of a pile to its ultimate capacity mobilizes soil resistance in a zone that is relatively undisturbed by pile installation. Analysis of ultimate capacity under inclined loading requires characterization of the interaction between the combined axial and lateral loads. Axial loading of suction caissons more typically involves rapid loading that mobilizes external skin friction and reverse end bearing resistance, without mobilization of internal skin friction. Analytical description of piles subjected to combined axial-lateral loading first requires a characterization of the interaction effects on the sides of the pile and at the pile tip.