Pile arrangement for octagon (or circular) pile caps

[JoshPlumSE]

The CRSI Design Handbook has a set of standard pile arrangements (figure 13-2) for piles and pile caps. This has been a nice reference for me. The only problem is that all the pile arrangements are laid out for rectangular (or basically rectangular) pile caps.

Does anyone know of a similar reference for Octagon or Circular foundations? I just don't want to reinvent the wheel when I know someone else must have already done this.

 

[msquared48]

Is the Circle or Hexagon for Architectural reasons?

What numbers of pile are you looking at in your pilecaps?

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[JoshPlumSE]

This would be supporting large diameter equipment with a circular base... Tanks, vertical vessels, et cetera.

Usually for heavy industrial projects that don't involve architects.

 

[msquared48]

Sorry, but I have not had to do that, yet.

I would have to use my imagination to answer your question, and we do not want to go there.

Cheers.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[Guest262653]

Hi,

There is not really a big problem in using different pile arrangements, as long as you keep a reasonable distance between the piles (usually 3d to 5d, to avoid group issues) and design the pile cap appropriately. You can try triangular arrays, circular rings, eccentric pile caps, piled rafts, etc, etc. I've come across with some situations like that, normally in revamping existing industrial facilities. Just keep it easy to build.

As far as analysis is concerned, there are plenty of references in geotechnical engineering books for the analysis and design of pile caps with piles in a general arrangement (Try Tomlinson's "Pile design and construction practice" or Bowles' "Foundation analysis and design").

Hope it helped.