Estimation of Bearing Capacity of Non-Displacement Piles in Sand Considering Pile Shape

In order to investigate the effect of the pile shape on the bearing capacity of non-displacement piles, a series of model pile load tests were performed using a calibration chamber and three model piles with different shape. Results of the model tests showed that the bearing capacity of tapered piles was affected by its taper angle as well as the stress states and relative density of soil. Based on the results of model pile load tests, a new design equation for estimation of the bearing capacity of non-displacement piles was proposed, and it takes into account the effect of the taper angles on the bearing capacity of non-displacement piles.