This paper presents a variational approach that can be used to analyse vert
ically loaded pile groups in soil modelled by an elastic half-space. With u
se of a variational approach, both the displacements and shear stresses of
group piles are each represented by a finite series. The principle of minim
um potential energy is used to determine the response of pile groups. Good
agreement between the present analytical method and other numerical methods
is observed for the behaviour of pile groups. The theoretical predictions
compare reasonably well with field measurements.