A NEW MODEL FOR THE ANALYSIS OF SETTLEMENT OF DRILLED PIERS

A variational model for the analysis of axially loaded piers is presented. 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 pile foundations. It is shown that displacements and the load distribution along the axis of the pier compare well with a more sophisticated finite element solution. Furthermore, the new model complements the well-known Reese model employing t–z curves for the analysis of settlement of axially loaded piers. This new formulation using continuum mechanics principles, distributes the work done by the applied load as compressive strain energy in the pier, and as shear strain energy in the soil, as well as, the compressive strain energy in the soil surrounding the pier and at the bottom of the pier.