Pile group program 3D

View on the user interface of the Pile group program

What is the purpose of this program?

This program determines the strength distribution in a pile group under an as infinite stiff conceived foundation apron (three dimensional).

As in the soil mechanics is customary, the piles are conceived as struts (so no moments in the piles). The calculation has a linear-elastic nature; this is a simplification of the actual behaviour.

The program is best suited for relatively soft soil layers above a fixed base in which the piles are resting.

Because it is a linear-elastic calculation is concerned, to the user to verify that the calculated maximum pole forces are exceeded (pull and push).

Per pile the stiffness, slope, and the location of the pile head should be specified.

When entering the pile stiffness E.A/L this can optionally be entered as one parameter or be calculated by the computer from the constituent three quantities.

In addition, a simplified input is provided if the E-modulus, the surface, and the length of all piles are the same.

The location of the piles and the orientation of the loads is defined within an X-Y-Z system of axes.

The Z-axis is directed downwards, i.e. in the direction of the pile points, perpendicular to the foundation apron.

The positive X and Y- axis lie in the plane of the foundation apron.

The axis system is a right-handed axes system (from X- to Y-axis).

The origin can further be taken randomly.

The head of the piles does not need to lie in one plane, i.e. different Z-coordinates.

Input place of the pile heads

Input slopes of the piles

Input pile properties

Input loads onto pile group

View of the geometry of the pile group

The loads must be specified relative to a defined point of reference:

Fx – force in X-direction; Mx moment around X-axis

Fy – force in Y-direction; My moment around Y-axis

Fz – force in Z-direction; Mz moment around Z axis

View loads per BASE load case

By resting the mouse on the head of a pile the screen cursor changes in a cross and the numeric values for the displacement in X-Y-Z direction is shown.

By resting the mouse on a pile the screen cursor changes in a cross and the force in the pile is shown.

Fragment of the numerical output