Behavior of pile caps on one steel pile

Abstract

This paper reports the numerical analysis of several pile caps, supported on one steel pile. The variables studied were the column contact area, the pile embedment into the cap and the presence of a bearing steel plate, welded at the pile head. The numerical analysis was based out from a three-dimensional model, set by the finite element method analysis. The results showed that the pile embedment length has a great influence on the mechanical behavior of the reinforced concrete caps, although this aspect has not been well explored analytically or experimentally yet. In addition, it was verified that the pile embedment length has influence over the stress flow and the ultimate strength of the cap. The results also pointed out that a steel plate at the top of the steel pile may lead to a positive effect by improving the load distribution inside the pile cap.

Behavior of pile caps on one steel pile

“…Fundações Teoria e Prática 5 recommends that a helical reinforcement is placed over the embedment length of the steel pile in the cap. Pfeil 6 suggests that straight rebar must be welded over the embedment length of the steel pile, with the addition of helical reinforcement, and that the embedment length of the steel pile must be at least 30 centimeters.…”