Analytical Model for the End-Bearing Capacity of Tapered Piles Using Cavity Expansion Theory

Abstract EN

On the basis of evidence from model tests on increasing the end-bearing behavior of tapered piles at the load-settlement curve, this paper proposes an analytical spherical cavity expansion theory to evaluate the end-bearing capacity.

The angle of tapering is inserted in the proposed model to evaluate the end-bearing capacity.

The test results of the proposed model in different types of sands and different relative densities show good effects compared to conventional straight piles.

The end-bearing capacity increases with increases in the tapering angle.

The paper then propounds a model for prototypes and real-type pile tests which predicts and validates to evaluate the end-bearing capacity.