The Use of Equivalent Circular Piles to Model the Behaviour of Rectangular Barrette Foundations

Abstract

Barrettes having rectangular cross-sections can be analysed using finite elements, but this requires a three-dimensional non-linear computation which can be time consuming. Therefore, in this paper, the use of simple means of analysis based on conventional piles of circular cross-section is examined. Equivalent dimensions are chosen for the circular piles to represent the barrette, and the behaviour of the equivalent piles is compared to finite element results for the barrettes. It is shown that for single barrettes and groups of barrettes under either vertical or lateral load, it is possible to model barrette behaviour approximately but adequately using equivalent circular piles.