The end-bearing capacity of piles penetrating into crushable soils

Abstract A new formula is proposed for the end-bearing capacity of piles penetrating into crushable soils. The formula is based on a breakage mechanics model that accounts for the evolution of the grain size distribution (GSD) due to grain crushing with only physically meaningful parameters. The model is integrated using the finite-element method to study the penetration problem. Predictions of GSDs surrounding piles and pile end-bearing capacities are validated against experiments. Next, a parametric study is carried out to quantify the effects of grain crushing on the bearing capacity, and then to establish the formula. The predictive capability of the new formula is highlighted against predictions by previous formulae, which highlights its superior origins.