An iterative method is described for the analysis of vertically loaded pile
groups with a large number of vertical piles. The individual pile response
is modelled using load-transfer (t-z) curves while pile-soil-pile interact
ion is determined using Mindlin's solution. The present method not only kee
ps all the advantages of the so-called 'hybrid method', but also makes it p
ossible for practising engineers to solve problems of large non-uniformly a
rranged pile groups in a time-saving way using a personal computer. Good ag
reement between the present method of analysis and the direct method is obs
erved. A case history is analysed and the computed response of a large pile
group compares favourably with the field measurement. Copyright (C) 1999 J
ohn Wiley & Sons, Ltd.