Pile Group Settlement Estimation — Research to Practice

Abstract

This paper reviews the evolution of settlement analysis for pile groups, and the transition from research to practice over the past 30 to 40 years. The gradual incorporation of important aspects of reality is reviewed and it is shown that recent research has enabled complex practical problems to now be examined in a systematic, albeit approximate, manner. The significance of various parameters is reviewed and suggestions are given regarding appropriate methods of preliminary and detailed analysis, and of methods whereby the key geotechnical parameters may be assessed. The pitfalls of inappropriate application of theoretical research to practice are illustrated by examples.