10-142

AASH T O L RFD BRI DGE D ESI G N SPECI FI CAT I ONS (SI )

10.8.3.6 Shaft Gr oup Resistance

10.8.3.6.1 General

C10.8.3.6.1

Reduction in resistance from group effects shall be

evaluated.

In addition to the overlap effects discussed below,

drilling of a hole for a shaft less than three shaft
diameters from an existing shaft reduces the effective
stresses against both the side and base of the existing
shaft. A s a result, the capacities of individual drilled
shafts within a group tend to be less than the
corresponding capacities of isolated shafts.
If casing is advanced in front of the excavation
heading, this reduction need not be made.
C10.8.3.6.2

10.8.3.6.2 Cohesive Soil

The provisions of A rticle 10.7.3.9 shall apply.
The resistance factor for the group resistance of an
equivalent pier or block failure provided in
Table 10.5.5.2.4-1 shall apply where the cap is, or is not,
in contact with the ground.
The resistance factors for the group resistance
calculated using the sum of the individual drilled shaft
resistances are the same as those for the single-drilled
shaft resistances.
10.8.3.6.3 Cohesionless Soil

C10.8.3.6.3

Regardless of cap contact with the ground, the

individual nominal resistance of each shaft should be
reduced by a factor for an isolated shaft taken as:
= 0.65 for a center-to-center spacing of
2.5 diameters,
= 1.0 for a center-to-center spacing of
4.0 diameters or more.
For intermediate spacings, the value of
determined by linear interpolation.

The efficiency of groups of drilled shafts in

cohesive soil may be less than that of the individual
shaft due to the overlapping zones of shear deformation
in the soil surrounding the shafts.

may be

The bearing resistance of drilled shaft groups in

sand is less than the sum of the individual shafts due to
overlap of shear zones in the soil between adjacent
shafts and loosening of the soil during construction. The
recommended reduction factors are based in part on
theoretical considerations and on limited load test
1999) for additional
details and a summary of group load test results. It
should be noted that most of the available group load
test results were obtained for sands above the water
table and for relatively small groups, e.g., groups of 3 to
9 shafts. For larger shaft groups, or for shaft groups of
any size below the water table, more conservative values
of should be considered.

10.8.3.6.4 Shaft Groups in Strong Soil Overlying

Weak Soil
For shaft groups that are collectively tipped within a
strong soil layer overlying a soft, cohesive layer, block
bearing resistance shall be evaluated in accordance with
A rticle 10.7.3.9.
10.8.3.7 Uplift Resistance
10.8.3.7.1 General
Uplift resistance shall be evaluated when upward
loads act on the drilled shafts. Drilled shafts subjected to
uplift forces shall be investigated for resistance to
pullout, for their structural strength, and for the strength
of their connection to supported components.

w 2007 by the A merican A ssociation of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

A ll rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.