Seismic Design of Pile Foundations for Different Ground Conditions (original) (raw)

Pile foundations are commonly adopted for various types of multi storied and industrial structures, bridges and offshore structures. Their seismic design is very important to ensure efficient functioning of various structures even under severe seismic loading conditions. In the design process, ground conditions (soil type) play an important role in terms of seismic loads transferred to foundation and foundation capacity. This paper presents seismic design of pile foundations for different ground conditions. Estimation of seismic loads, for a typical multi-storeyed building considered being located in different seismic zones, for different ground conditions according to Indian and European standard are presented. Design considerations based on various theories evolved on pile foundation performance concepts under seismic conditions are discussed. Two different ground conditions (C and D type) are selected as exemplary cases in demonstrating the evaluation of seismic loads and seismic design of pile foundations as per codes of practice.