Piles software analysis

[EngMG08]

hi everyone,
I am a new structural engineer. i want to espicalize in soil-strcuture interaction espically piled raft foundations.
so i have couple of questions

what is the recommended software in this field?

is the spring stiffness of the pile is like column (EA/L)?

if i want to make a value engineering to give it to the manager what are the estimated prices for drilling and casting piles?

 

[oldestguy]

I'd get me a book on pile foundations. One that is a classic for a starter,

http://www.amazon.com/Pile-Foundations-Robert-D-Chellis/dp/0070107513