A simplified approach to estimate settlements of earth embankments on piled foundations: the role of pile shaft roughness

The use of piles as settlement reducers in the design artificial embankments on soft soil strata is nowadays very common. methods employed current engineering practice are based simplified approaches not allowing assessment average and differential settlements at top embankment. In this paper, a model to estimate both displacements embankment introduced. This, choice substructuring spatial domain employing suitably conceived upscaling procedure, an extension case rough pile shafts originally by authors for smooth piles. To conceive calibrate model, performed series numerical simulations mainly aimed highlighting mechanical processes taking place shaft. From practical point view, can fruitfully be displacement optimize diameter spacing.