Abstract #
This master thesis investigates the differences in pile foundation design when using Eurocode 7 and various software programs such as Deltares and GEO5. The study conducts a detailed parameter analysis across different soil types and design methods, comparing the outcomes of Eurocode 7 with those generated by commercial software and alternative analytical methods. The research highlights the conservative nature of Eurocode 7, especially in comparison to Deltares and Smith’s method, and provides insights into the behavior of pile foundations in homogeneous versus layered soils.
Technical Relevance #
This document is highly relevant for geotechnical engineers involved in foundation design, particularly those working with deep foundations like piles. As the use of Eurocode 7 becomes increasingly standardized, understanding how different software interprets these guidelines is crucial. This thesis offers valuable benchmarks that can inform the selection of design tools and methods, ensuring safer and more accurate pile foundation designs.
Target Audience #
The document is intended for geotechnical engineers, researchers, and civil engineering students who are focused on foundation design and are particularly interested in the application of Eurocode 7. It is also useful for professionals evaluating the performance and reliability of different geotechnical software tools.
Software and Methodology #
The study compares three primary approaches to designing pile foundations: Eurocode 7, Smith’s method, and two software programs (Deltares and GEO5). The software tools are benchmarked against Eurocode 7, with a focus on their adherence to the code’s requirements and the accuracy of their outputs. The document also explores deterministic, probabilistic, and semi-probabilistic methods used within these tools to ensure structural safety.
Process Description #
The thesis begins with a comprehensive literature review on the different methods used for designing pile foundations, including deterministic, probabilistic, and semi-probabilistic approaches. It then defines a simple model involving homogeneous soil, a single pile, and a centric load. The study conducts parameter studies on both cohesive and cohesionless soils using SPT and CPT data. The influence of soil type, pile length, and diameter on the bearing capacity is analyzed, followed by a comparison of how these parameters affect the results in homogeneous versus layered soils.
Main Findings #
The results show that Eurocode 7 tends to produce more conservative results compared to Deltares and Smith’s methods, particularly in cohesive soils. Deltares was found to be the most conservative in cone resistance value-based designs. The study also highlights how different methods handle transitions from homogeneous to layered soils, with significant variances in predicted bearing capacities.
Practical Applications #
The findings from this thesis are directly applicable to the design of pile foundations in various soil conditions, particularly in projects where Eurocode 7 is the governing standard. Engineers can use these insights to choose the most appropriate calculation method or software for their specific project needs, balancing safety, accuracy, and compliance with standards.
Limitations and Considerations #
The study notes several limitations, including the exclusive focus on single concrete piles and the exclusion of buckling potential. Additionally, the comparison is limited to certain soil types (clay and sand) and does not account for more complex soil behaviors like negative skin friction. Engineers should consider these limitations when applying the study’s findings to their projects.
Conclusions #
The thesis concludes that while Eurocode 7 provides a conservative baseline, other methods and software tools like Deltares and GEO5 can offer more flexible and less conservative alternatives depending on the specific conditions and requirements of the project. The document encourages a careful selection of design methods based on the specific soil conditions and project requirements, with an emphasis on understanding the underlying assumptions and limitations of each tool.
Related Resources #
For further insights, readers may explore additional studies on the application of Eurocode 7 in other foundation types, as well as case studies comparing different geotechnical software tools in real-world projects.
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