Factor of Safety on Laterally Loaded Pile Analysis

[gre2408]

In analyzing laterally loaded piles, how does F.S. is applied in the design? Is F.S. applied to k value in input data for P-y analysis (e.g. LPILE) or to output values (e.g. Moment or Deflection)? In addition, how much F.S. is generally used for the analysis? Thanks!

 

[kslee1000]

THe safety factor gets to the design by:

1. Setting deflection limit (may results in lager pile diameter).
2. Increase pile length to assure fixity.
3. Setting stress limits (shear, moment), this is usually through safety factors built-into the design method.