FINITE LAYER ANALYSIS OF VERTICALLY LOADED PILES AND PILE GROUPS

An efficient method for analysing the deflections of piles and pile gr oups in non-uniform soils is presented. The method uses a finite layer technique to idealize the soil as finite layers of infinite horizonta l extent. It is shown that the solutions obtained for a single pile an d pile groups in uniform soils compares favourably with existing solut ions. Significant differences were found when compared with approximat e solutions for non-uniform soils. In view of the realistic handling o f nun-uniform soils it is concluded that the finite layer technique pr ovides a more accurate solution. Finally, a limited parametric study o f the effects of a stiff stratum within a soft soil is presented.