Battered Piles in Cohesive Soils

[civilguy123]

I am currently working on a bulkhead design at work and have a few questions. I am looking into a battered pile anchoring system that will include a compression and tension pile. My questions are :
1.) What kind of batter is typical for battered piles? The soil in the area is very soft clay for the first 35' and then turns to stiff clay from 35' to 60'. (South Louisiana)
2.) How do I determine the forces in the piles? I originally analyzed the system as a joint with the tie rod force being in tension and the compression pile and tension pile as compressive and tensile forces, respectively. Assuming that both piles carry half of the load, I was able to calculate the force in each pile. Is this correct?

I've just graduated so please excuse me if these are dumb questions.

Thanks.

 

[oldestguy]

I won't try to answer your questions. However, for a recent graduate, and for a problem like this, I Wonder about your organization and mentors that may be available or not. If not, why not. Assuming this job goes ahead, what engineer will certify the design as meeting the requirements of the state as to the PE of record? Also, for providing tips, this WEB site does not design for the readers. You are asking for design recommendations (finding forces in various elements).

As for how to design or wharfs and bulkheads, do a check of the NAFAC design publications, generally available as downloads via the Internet. Some of our members may speak up and give info as to what they have available on their WEB sites.