ABSTRACT
This chapter summarises a consistent theoretical approach to the analysis of ground movement effects on piles, for both vertical and horizontal movements. There is a widespread misconception that the effects of externally imposed ground movements on piles can be simulated by the application of equivalent loadings at the pile head. The use of elastic solutions tends to be conservative when applied to practical cases. The extent of the possible overestimation increases with increasing lateral soil movements, due to the progressive departure from elastic conditions which results from the development of plastic flow of the soil past the pile. Excavations for the construction of high-rise buildings in congested urban areas have become increasingly prevalent. They may however cause damage to existing structures because of the soil movements they induce. Despite the ubiquitous nature of the hole drilling process, there appear to be few if any studies of the ground movements arising from drilling operations.
