Shallow Pier Foundations
Shallow Pier Foundations
(OP)
Looking for a design resource for shallow pier foundations for very light loadings. In the range of 4' to 6' deep and appx 12" in diameter. Something to econimically support small cabins and barns. On shallow piers can you count on any skin friction or just end bearing. Every resource I come across is for much larger loads and diameters.





RE: Shallow Pier Foundations
I would think the 4 to 6 ft. piers would be end bearing only.
RE: Shallow Pier Foundations
For end bearing, I would probably use Meyerhoffs method (it is a good 'average' or 'middle of the road' approach/result)
Sorry, I don't have any links to an online website for Meyerhof's method, but it is Qpoint = Area of point x effective overburden x Meyerhof's Nq* factor for piles
and the limit is: qlimit(kN/m2) = 50 x Nq* x tan (phi)
use whichever is lower.
Also as a side note, for dia = 1' and L = 4' your results will be close to results from typical bearing capacity formulas for shallow foundations.
RE: Shallow Pier Foundations