Drilled Shaft

Theory
Drilled Shafts in Granular Soil: Load-Bearing Capacity’15
Estimation of 𝑄𝑃
For a drilled shaft with its base located on a granular soil
(that is, 𝑐 ′ = 0), the net ultimate load-carrying capacity at
the base
𝑄𝑝(𝑛𝑒𝑡) = 𝐴𝑝 [𝑞′(𝑁𝑞 − 1)𝐹𝑞𝑠 𝐹𝑞𝑑 𝐹𝑞𝑐 ]

Where,
∅
𝑁𝑞 = tan2 (45° + ) 𝑒 𝜋 tan ∅
2
𝐿
𝐹𝑞𝑑 = 1 + 2 tan ∅′ (1 − sin ∅′)2 tan−1
𝐷𝑏
𝐵
𝐹𝑞𝑠 = 1 + tan ∅ = 1 + tan ∅ [∵ 𝐵 = 𝐿]
𝐿
𝜋 2
𝐴𝑝 = 𝐷
4 𝑏
According to Chen and Kulhawy (1994), 𝐹𝑞𝑐 can be calculated in the following manner.

Step 1. Calculate the critical rigidity index as

𝜑′
𝐼𝑐𝑟 = 0.5 exp [2.85 cot (45 − )]
2

Step 2. Calculate the reduced rigidity index as

𝐼𝑟
𝐼𝑟𝑟 =
1 + 𝐼𝑟 ∆
Es
Where, Ir = Soil rigidity index =
2(1 + 𝜇𝑠 )𝑞 ′ tan 𝜑′
In which,
𝐸𝑠 = drained modulus of elasticity of soil = mpa
𝑝𝑎 = atmospheric pressure(100 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 )
100 to 200 (loose soil)
𝑚 = {200 to 500 (medium dense soil)
500 to 1000(dense soil)

φ′ − 25
μs = poisson′ s ratio of soil = 0.1 + 0.3 ( ) for (25° ≤ φ′ ≤ 45°)
20
𝑛𝑞 ′
∆=
𝑃𝑎
𝜑 ′ − 25
𝑛 = 0.005 (1 − )
20
Step 3. If 𝐼𝑟𝑟 ≥ 𝐼𝑐𝑟 , then
𝐹𝑞𝑐 = 1

If 𝐼𝑟𝑟 < 𝐼𝑐𝑟

′)
(3.07 sin 𝜑 ′ )(log 2𝐼𝑟𝑟 )
𝐹𝑞𝑐 = exp {(−3.8 tan 𝜑 + [ }
1 + sin 𝜑 ′

The magnitude of 𝑄𝑝(𝑛𝑒𝑡) also can be reasonably estimated from a relationship based on the analysis of
Berezantzev et al. (1961) that can be expressed as
𝑄𝑝(𝑛𝑒𝑡) = 𝐴𝑝 𝑞′(𝑤𝑁𝑞∗ − 1)
′
𝑁𝑞∗ = bearing capacity factor = 0.21e0.17𝜑
𝐿
𝑤 = correction factor = 𝑓 ( )
𝐷𝑏

Estimation of Qs
The frictional resistance at ultimate load, developed in a drilled shaft
𝐿1
𝑄𝑆 = ∫ 𝑝𝑓 𝑑𝑧
0

Where,
𝑝 = shaft perimeter = πDs
𝑓 = unit frictional (or skin)resistance = 𝐾𝜎 ′ 𝑜 tan 𝛿 ′
𝐾 = earth pressure coefficient ≈ K o = 1 − sin 𝜑 ′
𝜎 ′ 𝑜 = effective vertical stress at any depth z
𝐿1 𝐿1
𝑄𝑆 = ∫ 𝑝𝑓 𝑑𝑧 = πDs (1 − sin 𝜑 ) ∫ 𝜎 ′ 𝑜 tan 𝛿 ′ 𝑑𝑧
′
0 0

The value of 𝜎 ′ 𝑜 will increase to a depth of about 15Ds and will remain constant thereafter. For cast-in-pile
𝛿′
concrete and good construction techniques, a rough interface develops and, hence,𝜑′ = 1With poor slurry
𝛿′
construction, 𝜑′ ≈ 0.7 − 0.8

Allowable Net Load, 𝑄𝑎𝑙𝑙

An appropriate factor of safety should be applied to the ultimate load to obtain the net allowable load, or
𝑄𝑝(𝑛𝑒𝑡) + 𝑄𝑠
𝑄𝑎𝑙𝑙(𝑛𝑒𝑡) =
𝐹𝑆

Load-Bearing Capacity Based on Settlement

On the basis of a database of 41 loading tests, Reese and O’Neill (1989) proposed a method for calculating the
load-bearing capacity of drilled shafts that is based on settlement.
The method is applicable to the following ranges:
1. Shaft diameter Ds = 0.52 to 1.2 m
2. Bell depth = 4.7 to 30.5 m
3. Field standard penetration resistance N60 = 5 to 60
4. Concrete slump = 100 to 225 mm

Reese and O’Neill’s procedure gives 𝑓𝑖 = ultimate unit shearing resistance in layer i
𝑁 𝑝 = perimeter of the shaft = πDS
𝑄𝑢(𝑛𝑒𝑡 ) = ∑ 𝑓𝑖 𝑝∆𝐿𝑖 + 𝑞𝑝 𝐴𝑝 𝑞𝑝 = 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 point resistance
𝜋
𝑖=1 𝐴𝑝 = area of the base = 𝐷𝑏2
4
′
𝑓𝑖 = 𝛽1 𝜎𝑜𝑧𝑖 < 𝛽2
′
Where 𝜎𝑜𝑧𝑖 = vertical effective stress at the middle of layer i.

𝛽1 = 𝛽3 − 𝛽4 𝑧𝑖0.5 (0.25 ≤ 𝛽1 ≤ 1.2)

The point bearing capacity is
𝑞𝑝 = 𝛽5 𝑁60 ≤ 𝛽6 (𝐷𝑏 < 1.27𝑚)

𝑁60 = field standard penetration number within a distance of 2Db below the base of the drilled shaft.
If 𝐷𝑏 ≥ 1.27 𝑚 excessive settlement may occur. In that case, 𝑞𝑝 may be
replaced by 𝑞𝑝𝑟 or.
1.27
𝑞𝑝𝑟 = 𝑞
𝐷𝑏 𝑝
Based on the desired level of settlement, Figures 12.12 and 12.13 may
now be used to calculate the allowable load, 𝑄𝑎𝑙𝑙(𝑛𝑒𝑡) . Note that the trend lines given in these figures is the
average of all test results
Rollins et al. (2005) have modified Eq. (12.27) for gravelly sands as follows: For
sand with 25 to 50% gravel
𝛽1 = 𝛽7 − 𝛽8 𝑧𝑖0.75 (0.25 ≤ 𝛽1 ≤ 1.8)
For sand with more than 50% gravel,
𝛽1 = 𝛽9 𝑒 −𝛽10 𝑧𝑖 (0.25 ≤ 𝛽1 ≤ 3)

Figure 12.14 provides the normalized side-load transfer trend based on the desired level of settlement for gravelly sand and gravel.
 Problem Solve

Problem 1
A soil profile is shown in Figure 12.15. A point bearing drilled shaft with a bell is placed in a layer of dense sand
and gravel. Determine the allowable load the drilled shaft could carry. Use Eq. (12.5) and a factor of safety of 4.
Take 𝐷𝑠 = 1𝑚 and 𝐷𝑏 = 1.75𝑚 For the dense sand layer(𝜑 ′ = 36°, 𝐸𝑠 = 500𝑃𝑎), Ignore the frictional resistance
of the shaft.

Solution

𝑄𝑝(𝑛𝑒𝑡) = 𝐴𝑝 [𝑞′(𝑁𝑞 − 1)𝐹𝑞𝑠 𝐹𝑞𝑑 𝐹𝑞𝑐 ]

𝑞 ′ = 6 ∗ 16.2 + 2 ∗ 19.2 = 135.6𝑘𝑁/𝑚2

For 𝜑 ′ = 36°,
36°
𝑁𝑞 = tan2 (45° + ) 𝑒 𝜋 tan 36° = 37.75
2
𝐹𝑞𝑠 = 1 + tan ∅ = 1 + tan 36° = 1.727
𝐿
𝐹𝑞𝑑 = 1 + 2 tan ∅′ (1 − sin ∅′ )2 tan−1
𝐷𝑏
𝜋 8
= 1 + 2 tan 36° (1 − sin 36°)2 × × tan−1 ( )
180 1.75
= 1.335
𝜋 2 𝜋
𝐴𝑝 = 𝐷 = 1.752 = 2.405𝑚2
4 𝑏 4

𝜑′ 36°
𝐼𝑐𝑟 = 0.5 exp [2.85 cot (45 − )] = 0.5e[2.85 cot(45− 2 )] = 134.3
2

𝐸𝑠 = 𝑚𝑝𝑎 = 500 ∗ 100 = 50000𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 (𝑃𝑎 = 100𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 )

𝜑 ′ − 25
poisson′ s ratio of soil, 𝜇𝑠 = 0.1 + 0.3 ( ) for (25° ≤ φ′ ≤ 45°)
20
36° − 25
= 0.1 + 0.3 ( ) = 0.265
20
Es 50000
Soil rigidity index, Ir = = = 200.6
2(1 + 𝜇𝑠 )𝑞 ′ tan 𝜑′ 2(1 + 0.265) ∗ 135.6 ∗ tan 36°
36° − 25
𝑛 = 0.005 (1 − ) = 0.00225
20
𝑛𝑞 ′ 0.00225 ∗ 135.6
∆= = = 0.0031
𝑃𝑎 100
𝐼𝑟 200.6
𝐼𝑟𝑟 = = = 123.7
1 + 𝐼𝑟 ∆ 1 + 200.6 ∗ 0.0031
As 𝐼𝑟𝑟 < 𝐼𝑐𝑟
(3.07 sin 𝜑 ′ )(log 2𝐼𝑟𝑟 )
′) {(−3.8 tan 36°)+[
(3.07 sin 36°)(log 2∗123.7)
]}
𝐹𝑞𝑐 = exp {(−3.8 tan 𝜑 + [ ]} = 𝑒 1+sin 36° = 0.96
1 + sin 𝜑 ′

𝑄𝑝(𝑛𝑒𝑡) = 𝐴𝑝 [𝑞 ′ (𝑁𝑞 − 1)𝐹𝑞𝑠 𝐹𝑞𝑑 𝐹𝑞𝑐 ] = 2.405 × [135.6(37.75 − 1) ∗ 1.727 ∗ 1.335 ∗ 0.96] = 26529𝑘𝑁
𝑄𝑝(𝑛𝑒𝑡) 26529
𝑄𝑝(𝑎𝑙𝑙) = = = 6632.25𝑘𝑁
𝐹𝑆 4

Problem 2
Another method:
The magnitude of 𝑄𝑝(𝑛𝑒𝑡) also can be reasonably
estimated from a relationship based on the analysis of
Berezantzev et al. (1961) that can be expressed as
𝑄𝑝(𝑛𝑒𝑡) = 𝐴𝑝 𝑞′(𝑤𝑁𝑞∗ − 1)
′
𝑁𝑞∗ = bearing capacity factor = 0.21e0.17𝜑 = 95.52
𝐿 8
= = 4.57
𝐷𝑏 1.75
From Figure, for φ′ = 36°, L/Db = 4.57 value of w=
0.83
𝑄𝑝(𝑛𝑒𝑡) = 𝐴𝑝 𝑞′(𝑤𝑁𝑞∗ − 1)
𝜋
= 1.752 ∗ 135.6(0.83 ∗ 95.52 − 1)
4
= 25532 𝑘𝑁
𝑄𝑝(𝑛𝑒𝑡) 25532
𝑄𝑝(𝑎𝑙𝑙) = = = 6383 𝑘𝑁
𝐹𝑆 4

Problem 3
Use Reese and O’Neill’s procedure A drilled shaft is
shown in Figure. The uncorrected average standard
penetration number within a distance of below the
base of the shaft is about 30. (25-50% gravel)
Determine
a. The ultimate load-carrying capacity
b. The load-carrying capacity for a settlement of
12mm.

a. ultimate load-carrying capacity

6
𝑧𝑖 = = 3𝑚
2
𝛽1 = 𝛽7 − 𝛽8 𝑧𝑖0.75 (0.25 ≤ 𝛽1 ≤ 1.2) = 2 − 0.15 ∗ 30.75 = 1.658
 ′
𝜎𝑜𝑧𝑖 = 𝛾𝑧𝑖 = 16 ∗ 3 = 48 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2
′
𝑓𝑖 = 𝛽1 𝜎𝑜𝑧𝑖 = 1.658 ∗ 48 = 79.58𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 < (𝛽2 = 192𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 )

∑ 𝑓𝑖 𝑝∆𝐿𝑖 = 79.58 × 𝜋 × 1 × 6 = 1500 𝑘𝑁

𝑞𝑝 = 57.5𝑁60 = 57.5 ∗ 30 = 1725 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2

1.27 1.27
Since Db > 1.27. So, 𝑞𝑝𝑟 = 𝑞𝑝 = ∗ 1725 = 1461𝑘𝑁/𝑚2
𝐷𝑏 1.5
𝜋 2
𝑄𝑢(𝑛𝑒𝑡 ) = ∑ 𝑓𝑖 𝑝∆𝐿𝑖 + 𝑞𝑝 𝐴𝑝 = 1500 + 1461 × 1.5 = 4082𝑘𝑁
4

Part b. The load-carrying capacity for a

settlement
We have,
Allowable settlement 12
= = 0.12 = 1.2%
𝐷𝑠 1 ∗ 1000
From figure, normalized settlement of 1.2%, the
normalized load is about 0.8
Thus, the side-load transfer is 0.8 ∗ 1500 = 1200𝑘𝑁

Allowable settlement 12
= = 0.008 = 0.8%
𝐷𝑏 1.5 ∗ 1000
for a normalized settlement of 0.8%, the normalized base load is 0.3. So the base load is = 0.3 *2582=774.6
𝑄 = 1200 + 774.6 = 1974.6𝑘𝑁