Measured and predicted t-z curves for a driven pile in lightly overconsolidated silt

Data from a static compression load test on a single driven pile in a lightly overconsolidated silt are presented in this paper. The pile was equipped with vibrating wire strain gauges along its length enabling its load distribution and t-z curves to be derived. Strong soil stiffness non-linearity is reflected in the shape of the t-z curves. Predicted t-z curves are developed based upon the stiffness degradation relationship of Lee and Salgado (1999). A comparison of predicted and measured curves allows an estimate to be made of the lateral variation of the mean effective stress in the vicinity of the pile.