Updates for PileCalc designer tool

Cohesive soils are susceptible to settling, creating additional downward loads on piles. This effect is called negative skin friction. This phenomenon should be considered only for the soil layers with the settlement of 3–5 mm or higher.

The calculation method is based on Finland’s Paalutusohje 2016 (PO-2016) and requires the user to define the adhesion factor, thickness of settling soil and as well as the consequence factor and partial safety factors. The same calculation principles are also in use in Sweden and Norway for cohesive soils.

According to EN 1997‑1, negative skin friction and transient loads are not required to be considered simultaneously in the same load combination. Because the necessary reduction depends on the selected load cases and combinations, the user must apply the appropriate reduction of the negative skin friction loads from resistance values independently.

The estimation value for negative skin friction is an optional selection for PileCalc’s printable detailed report. Meaning it can be added or removed from the report.

The detailed report shows the input parameters applied in the estimation of negative skin friction and the corresponding estimated loads.

Where to find the PileCalc program

PileCalc as well as PileWallCalc program for SSAB pile products are available for free at SSAB Tubular Design Tools. From the same place you can also find FrameCalc and FrameFEM design tools for steel structures.

More information on RR^® and RD^® piles and RD^® pile wall www.ssab.com/infra