A NEW MODEL FOR THE ANALYSIS OF SETTLEMENT OF DRILLED PIERS

A variational model for the analysis of axially loaded piers is presen ted. A closed-form solution technique employing an iterative procedure , is developed to obtain the displacement and forces in the pier along its axial direction. The method is suitable for similar analyses of p ile foundations. It is shown that displacements and the load distribut ion along the axis of the pier compare well with a more sophisticated finite element solution. Furthermore, the new model complements the we ll-known Reese model(1) employing t-z Curves for the analysis of settl ement of axially loaded piers. This new formulation using continuum me chanics principles, distributes the work done by the applied load as c ompressive strain energy in the pier, and as shear strain energy in th e soil, as well as, the compressive strain energy in the soil surround ing the pier and at the bottom of the pier.