Static loading tests on small-scale pile groups

36 small-scale model tests in soft clay were conducted to research the performances of pile groups under rigid caps. The parameters studied were the effect of pile length, pile spacing, and the number of piles in a group. The group piles consisted of 4, 6, and 9 circular model piles of 16mm in outer diameter (D), while four kinds of the pile spacing between pile centers 3; 4; 5; and 6 times of the diameter and three types of the embedded pile lengths: 20D; 25D; and 30D were used. For comparison, three single piles with the same diameter and length were also tested under the same condition. The experimental results were discussed based on the following 3 points of view: the pile group efficiency, the settlement ratio, load distribution per pile location in the group pile. All discussion suggested that the pile number and pile spacing in a pile group caused a remarkable interactional effect between piles, whereas the settlement ratios are significantly affected by the pile length. Besides, each pile in the group of 6D pile spacing behaved more individually.