The Vertical Bearing Capacity Behavior of Single Pile by Geotechnical Centrifuge

Abstract

In 1960, Bangkok’s groundwater level was at ground surface. Because of economic
growth, the groundwater level decreased to a minimum due to an increase in groundwater
pumping. Currently, the groundwater is rising back to match the ground surface as a
result of groundwater control laws. In order to understand the pile’s behavior, especially
concerning the capacity of the pile foundations, calibration should be conducted before
using a centrifuge model for testing. This research was carried out to compare the bearing
capacity of the pile by testing the pile load through 1, using the centrifuge model, and 2,
using hand calculations via Alpha and Beta methods. The results were consonant with the
average unit skin friction with less than 25% difference. Unfortunately, the strain gauge
setup in the sand layer malfunctioned, and data about its capacity was not obtained for
comparison.