ABSTRACT
In the UK and Ireland bearing pile design is generally based on the “design by calculation” methodology where soil strength parameters are obtained from in-situ data or through empirical correlation with ground test results. Direct ground test results from Cone Penetration Tests (CPT’s) are seldom used to complete ultimate limit state designs to satisfy EC7. This paper discusses the development of a numerical method where direct results from CPTs are used to design bearing piles. The method was verified through a case study where a large amount of CPT data was available. The resulting pile designs were compared to the more commonly used “design by calculation” approach and “design by pile load test”. The numerical method was incorporated into the AllPile (Axially and Laterally Loaded Pile) software which supports single pile design according to EC7.
