Modified Shear Displacement Method for Analysis of Piles in Unsaturated Expansive Soils Considering Influence of Environmental Factors

Pile foundations are widely used in regions with expansive soils to transfer the loads from superstructures a rigid soil stratum, thereby alleviating stability and deformation problems. However, current design procedures for pile typically based on saturated mechanics principles assuming drained conditions, despite fact surrounding piles an unsaturated state. Volume changes of induced by matric suction upon seasonal wetting drying can significantly influence load-transfer mechanisms. In this paper, using as tool, theoretical models introduced estimations shaft friction base resistance considering both influences variation-induced volume around pile. The commonly shear displacement method interpreting mechanical behaviors is modified including these extend their application soils. proposed (MSDM) interpreted successfully validated infiltration test conducted laboratory along another case study published literature. results investigation studies MSDM suggest that it be valuable tool practicing engineers make reasonable predictions