What is the best software for pile design with low loads

[tim1963]

I'm a structural engineer who will be designing piles to support solar panels. They have low vertical loads and low lateral loads. What is the best software for this? I've seen LPILE but isn't easy to use. ALLPILE claims they use the same approach (COM64) for lateral design as LPILE. Does anyone have any recommendations, maybe there is better software?

 

[oldestguy]

It would seem you should be looking for how to design for signs and power poles. Most piles are used for downward loads. In addition to lateral loading there probably is uplift resistance needed. You might even have to do some hand calculations, Wow!

Take a look at this DOT sign design manual for ideas. Other public agencies probably also have good information. Anchors in soil also may be required, such as those used by power distribution companies.

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/publications/manuals/fulltext/m46-03/chapter17.pdf

 

[tim1963]

Thank you for your input. What they like to do is drive steel piles with no additional anchorage. I was hoping to find software which gives me a very effecient design but still a good design.

 

[oldestguy]

Another thought. Pole buildings for farms, etc. would seem to be similar in loading, etc. My quick check of those on a search shows no real design, but some standards that seem to be acceptable (they work). I use a nomograph for amateur radio tower design. It makes some generalizations, but works also. If you want, I can scan it and see if it might be of some use.

 

[tim1963]

I've designed pole foundations before, the IBC has a section which allows you to design a pole foundation without a soils report. The only problem it would be to conservative. I need something which gives me a good design but not conservative.