Stiffness constants and interaction factors for vertical response of pile groups

Stiffness constants and flexibility coefficients of single piles and interaction factors are presented to facilitate the analysis of pile groups subjected to static vertical loads. A continuous transition from friction to end-bearing piles is accounted for. A new type of interaction factor, established from subgroups of five piles, is introduced for end-bearing piles. This interaction factor allows for the stiffening effect of the piles occurring between the two reference piles. This feature improves the accuracy of group analysis for end-bearing piles. Numerical results for axially loaded single piles and pile groups are presented for a wide range of pile and soil parameters. The results are applicable toboth rigid and flexible caps. Key words: piles, pile group, settlement, interaction