Dynamic Stiffness of Laterally Loaded

Pile Foundation in Dhaka Soil

Mohiuddin Ahmed
17Engineer Construction Battalion, Bangladesh Army Corps of Engineers,
Bangladesh; e-mail:mohi971@yahoo.com

Mohammad Shariful Islam*

Department of Civil Engineering
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka-1000,
Bangladesh; e-mail: msharifulislam@ce.buet.ac.bd, msharifulbd@gmail.com
*Corresponding author

Raquib Ahsan
Department of Civil Engineering
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka-1000,
Bangladesh; e-mail: raquibahsan@ce.buet.ac.bd

ABSTRACT
Dynamic response of structures, in many cases, significantly depends on dynamic response of
underlying foundation-soil system. However, this soil-structure interaction (SSI) is not considered
in regular design practice. Specific information on dynamic response of foundation at a particular
locality may be useful for practicing engineers. In view of this, current study presents evaluation of
dynamic pile head stiffness using a SSI analysis tool based on Thin Layered Element Method
(TLEM). The frequency dependent pile head stiffness has been evaluated by TLEM software for
two selected sites of Dhaka city, namely; Mirpur Defense Officers Housing Scheme (Mirpur
DOHS) and Uttara site. Few widely used RCC pile dimensions ranging from 457 to 610 mm
diameter with lengths varying from 9 to 25 m were considered for the analysis. It has been found
that stiffness decreases with the increase of frequency. Dynamic pile head stiffness curves are
developed for selected sites up to a frequency of 10Hz.The pile head stiffness becomes almost
independent of pile diameter at a certain range of frequency (23 to 28 Hz) for different lengths.
Larger diameter piles exhibit greater damping in comparison to piles of smaller diameters. This
study also presents the effect of soil layer homogeneity that influences the soil-pile-soil interaction
effect. Pile head stiffness for a homogeneous soil layer of medium dense sand compared to the pile
head stiffness for in-situ soil layer of Uttara site provides almost one fifth times greater stiffness.
Dense sand layer of Uttara site has shown almost four times higher stiffness than that of Mirpur
DOHS site.

KEYWORDS: Damping, dynamic soil properties, soil-structure interaction, soil pile

interaction, pile head stiffness and Thin Layered Element Method.
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INTRODUCTION
Piles are extensively used as deep foundation in unfavourable soil conditions to provide axial and
lateral support to structures. In many reclaimed sites of Dhaka city, due to unfavourable soil condition
(Islam et al., 2010), pile foundations have become an effective and widely used foundation to the
designers (Ahmed, 2010). Piles, grouped beneath a superstructure, interact with the surrounding soil
during an earthquake, and the dynamic pile-soil-pile interaction often affects the motion of the
superstructure to a considerable extent (Konagai et al., 2000). Thus, consideration of pile-soil-pile
interaction is important for studying dynamic behaviour of a structure.
Determination of pile-head stiffness dates back to Poulos (1971) who studied the static behaviour
of laterally loaded piles. Kanya and Kausel (1982) studied the dynamic stiffness and seismic response
of pile groups. Gazetas and Dobry (1984) developed an inexpensive and realistic procedure for
estimating the lateral dynamic stiffness and damping of flexible piles embedded in arbitrarily layered
soil deposits. Muqtadir and Desai (1986) studied the lateral response of pile under pure lateral load.
Konagai et al. (2000) investigated dynamic stiffness analysis of piles using the Thin Layered Element
Method (TLEM). They provided a simple expression for the dynamic stiffness of group piles in sway
motion. Islam et al. (2009) developed a simple expression for dynamic stiffness of a vertical hollow
steel pile subjected to lateral loading where pile-head stiffness is evaluated in terms of the mass,
damping and stiffness parameters. Soil medium was treated as homogeneous with constant mass
density and shear wave velocity. Islam et al. (2010) and Hossain (2009) determined shear wave
velocity of few reclaimed and original land of Dhaka soil up to a maximum depth of 30 m. Shear
wave velocity obtained by Hossain (2009) and Islam et al. (2010) are used in this study.
Various tools have been developed for the analysis of pile-soil-pile interaction. These tools can be
broadly categorized into two groups. One group, treating the soil medium as a continuum, includes
the Finite Element Method (e.g., Poulos, 1971; Poulos and Davis, 1980; Muqtadir and Desai, 1986).
The other group includes rather simplified approaches such as the Beam-on-Winkler-Foundation (or
p-y) method (e.g., Matlock, 1970; Reese, 1974; Reese and Welch, 1975). Pile stiffness can be
viewed as a component of the pile impedance, which is frequency dependent, Novak (1974, 1991). A
simplified expression was produced by Konagai et al. (2000), where the mass, damping and stiffness
parameters are frequency invariant.
Thin Layered Element Method (TLEM) method has been used in this study to obtain stiffness of
laterally loaded piles. Dynamic stiffness analysis of pile requires evaluation of dynamic properties of
the sub-soil. Shear wave velocity, soil mass density and Poissons ratio are used as input parameters
for the analysis of laterally loaded piles in this study.
The present study is limited to the Dhaka soil and dynamic response of pile foundation. Layered
soil system with measured and estimated shear wave velocity along the embedded length of pile is a
major consideration here. Dynamic soil properties of Dhaka soil have been determined at five selected
locations, i.e, Mirpur Defense Officers Housing Scheme (DOHS), Uttara, Dhaka cantonment,
Rupnagar and Basundhara as shown in Fig. 1. Dynamic stiffness analysis of single RCC piles has
been conducted under lateral loads for the Mirpur DOHS (a reclaimed area) and Uttara (a site having
original ground) sites.

GEOLOGIC AND SEISMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF

DHAKA
Dhaka is situated at the southern tip of a Pleistocene terrace, the Madhupur tract composed of two
characteristic geological units, viz. Madhupur clay of the Pleistocene age and alluvial deposits of
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recent age. Geotechnical characteristics of the Madhupur clay, which is extended almost down to
about five meters, vary significantly. However, below the clay layer, medium to coarse grained
formation exists (Islam and Nasrin, 2009). The city has been expanding rapidly even in the low-lying
geomorphic units by filling for urban growth since 1960. Almost all fills are basically dredged
deposit, mainly silty sand, underlain by soft clay which is vulnerable to long term consolidation
settlement. So, Dhaka soil is characterised by layered deposits of soft to medium and stiff clay, silt
and sand where deep foundation, such as pile, experience soil-pile-soil interaction effect in each layer
within the embedment length during seismic loading.

Figure 1: Location of the study areas on Dhaka City map

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Dhaka city and its surroundings are situated in the seismic Zone 2, the medium hazard zone which
has a basic seismic coefficient, Z=0.15 (BNBC, 1993). It has been observed that the NNW-SSE
trending Madhupur fault is associated with two earthquake epicenters of magnitude 6 and 7 (Hoque et
al., 1994). The Madhupur and another nearby fault Bansi are very close to the metropolis Dhaka and
magnitudes with which they are associated are remarkably high in the context of seismicity. It is
evident that the metropolis and its surroundings have high probability of seismic hazard (Ansary et al.,
2004).

TEST PROGRAMS AND ANALYTICAL METHODS

Study Area
Field investigations were carried out at five selected locations within Dhaka city which includes
both reclaimed and original lands. The selected areas almost surround the northern part of the Dhaka
towards which the capital city is expanding rapidly. These locations as shown in Fig. 1, were selected
based on the past studies and importance of the areas.

Experimental Programs
Field tests consisting of Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Small Scale Microtramor
Measurement (SSMM) were conducted at the selected locations. Test results were also collected from
Islam and Hossain (2010), Islam et al. (2011), Islam and Nasrin (2009).Various laboratory tests were
also conducted to determine the physical and index properties of the soils.

Field Tests
(i) Standard Penetration Test (SPT): Field investigations were performed in the form of SPT in
all the selected areas. Wash boring technique was used for SPT. Disturbed and undisturbed samples
were collected and SPT N-values were recorded at every 1.5 m interval up to a depth of 15 to 30 m
from Existing Ground Level (EGL). The test procedure is described in ASTM D1586 (ASTM, 1989).
Besides, some SPT results were also collected from nearby locations after proper verification
including random laboratory tests on collected soil samples.
(ii) Shear Wave Velocity: Shear wave velocity, Vs is one of the important factors representing the
dynamic characteristics of soil layers. Among the several geophysical techniques the most popular
non-destructive method to determine Vs is active and passive surface wave technique. Passive
technique includes the refraction Microtramor (REMI) technique and Small Scale Microtramor
Measurement (SSMM) or array Microtramor measurement techniques. Because of good array
technique, SSMM is often found to produce good results. SSMM technique was used for Vs
determination. The experimental process L-Shaped Array was used to get Microtramor data in
seismograph. Total eleven geophones of 4.5 Hz were placed in an L shaped array to collect wave data.
To analyze the waveform data SeisImager software was used. Shear wave velocity was obtained up to
15 to 30 m depth from EGL.

Laboratory Tests
Disturbed and undisturbed samples were collected during SPT tests. Collected samples were
tested in the Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory of Bangladesh University of Engineering and
Technology (BUET). The tests were conducted according to ASTM standards (ASTM, 1989). Mainly
physical and index properties were determined to evaluate the sub-soil condition within the
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embedment depth of piles. Bulk density, grain size distribution, Atterberg limits and unconfined
compressive strength of the samples were determined. For certain sites unit weight of cohesionless
samples was estimated from correlation with SPT values and for other sites values of unit weight were
obtained from literature (Bowels, 1997).

Dynamic Pile Head Stiffness

Thin-Layered Element Method (TLEM) proposed by Tajimi and Shimimura (1976) allows soilembedded foundation interaction effects to be rigorously evaluated. The evaluation of group pile
effect in this program is based on the superposition method that was originally proposed by Poulos
(1968 and 1971). Fundamental principles behind the formulation of TLEM program are available in
Konagai et al. (2000).
Depth SPT N-value
(m) 10
30
50

Depth
(m) 10

SPT N
30
50

Depth SPT N-value

30
50
(m) 10

Depth SPT N -value

30
50
(m) 10

Depth SPT N-value

30
50
(m) 10

10

10

10

10

15

15

15

15

20

20

20

20

10
15
20
25
MIRPUR
DOHS

30

DHAKA
CANTONMENT

RUPNAGAR

BASUNDHARA

UTTARA

25

25

25

25

(a)
Depth
(m)

Vs (m/s)
100 200 300

Depth
V (m/s)
(m) 100s 200 300

Depth
V (m/s)
s
(m) 100 200 300

Depth
V (m/s)
(m) 100 s 200 300

Depth Vs (m/s)
(m) 100 200 300

10

10

10

10

15

15

15

15

10
15
20
25

20
MIRPUR
DOHS

30

20
RUPNAGAR

25

DHAKA
CANTONMENT

UTTARA

25

25

20

20

BASUNDHARA

25

(b)
Loose silty fine sand
Soft organic Clay
Medium stiff silty clay

Very stiff silty clay

Dense sandy silt

Medium dense silty fine sand

Soft silty clay

Stiff clayey silt

Figure 2: (a) Depth vs SPT N-value and (b) depth vs shear wave velocity (Vs) at selected
sites of Dhaka city.
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Frequency dependent pile-head stiffness and damping values were obtained for RCC piles using
TLEM software version 1.1 (Konagai, 1998). Dynamic soil properties, determined by field and
laboratory investigations and tests from selected study sites, and pile characteristics were used as
primary input to the program. Major properties of soil used here are; unit weight, Poissons ratio and
shear wave velocity (Vs).

Sub-Soil Characteristics and Correlations

SPT N-Value
SPTs were conducted to a maximum depth of 30m at the selected locations. Variations of SPT Nvalue with depth from EGL and bore logs are presented in Fig. 2a. The soil profiles show that denser
sandy and sandy silt layer has SPT N-value between 40 and 50 and clayey silt or silty clay layer has
SPT N-value of 10 to 20. Mirpur, Basundhara and Dhaka cantonment sites have lower SPT N-values
due to fill content and presence of organic clay and clayey silts. The depth of filling sand varies from
3 to 6 m from EGL. Detail sub-soil characteristics of the study areas are available in Islam and Nasrin
(2009), Hossain (2009) and Islam et al. (2010).

Shear wave velocity (Vs)

SSMM technique was used to determine the Vs at all the five sites. Variation of shear wave
velocity with depths and corresponding bore logs is presented in Fig. 2b. From the results, it is
observed that silty clay (soft to medium stiff) has the Vs in the range between 150 and 200 m/s, stiff
silty clay has the Vs in the range between 200 and 250 m/s. Dense silty sand has the range between
200 and 300 m/s. Red plastic clay of Mirpur DOHS and dense sand of Rupnagar has high Vs of above
300 m/s. On the other hand, loose silty sand and clay in upper 4.5 m depth of Mirpur DOHS has a low
range of Vs between 75 and 90 m/s only. It indicates that this area is mostly formed by filled sand
under which there exists an organic layer.
Shear wave velocity as described in most published literature has a typical value of about 150 m/s
for clay and 250 m/s for sand confirms the field results of the present study including the relation
stated by Ohta and Gotos (1978) i.e., Vs, gravel Vs, sand Vs, clay.

Correlation between SPT N-Value and Vs

The variations of shear wave velocity against SPT N-value for clay (Fine contents, Fc : 53~100%)
and sand (Fc : 12~37%) are presented in the log-log plots of Figs. 3a and 3b, respectively. It is seen
that Vs increases with the increase of SPT N-value. The log-log plot presents best fit curve to correlate
SPT N-value with shear wave velocity. Here, simple linear power regression analysis as suggested by
several previous researchers is carried out for developing the correlations. From the best fit curve of
Figs. 3a and 3b the proposed correlation equations between shear wave velocity, Vs and SPT N-value
are presented in Equations 1 and 2.

For Clay (Fc : 53~100%),

VS (m/s)= 101.97 N0.29

(1)

VS (m/s)= 70.94 N0.39

(2)

For Sand (Fc : 12~37%),

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The best fit curves of the correlated Equations 1 and 2 between shear wave velocity, Vs and SPT
N-value can be generalized in the form stated in Equation 3.

Vs (m/s) = A x NB

(3)

where, Vs is shear wave velocity (m/s); N is SPT N-value; and A, B are constant parameters which are
often accompanied by a correlation coefficient R. Usually, the trend observed is that if A increases, B
decreases for the same type of soil (Ohsaki and Iwasaki, 1973; Imai, 1977; Ohta and Goto, 1978; Imai
and Tonouchi, 1982). Rollins et al. (1998) reported that the estimation of shear wave velocity can be
improved, if the effective stress is included in the regression equation.
Constants A and B for different correlation equations proposed by different authors are different.
Out of numerous equations found in many published literatures, only few are presented in Table 1. It
shows that differences exist within the various published relations, which is likely partially caused by
differences in geology, but also by errors in measurements of SPT N-value and Vs.

Table 1: Constants A and B (Vs= A NB) for different correlation equations

A

Proposed by
Present study
Ansary et al. (2010)
Hossain (2009)
Japanese Road Association (1998)
Hasancebi and Ulusay (2006)

Clay
101.97
109.92
94.00
100.00
97.89

B
Sand
70.94
84.16
65.00
80.00
90.82

Clay
0.29
0.28
0.33
1/3
0.269

Sand
0.39
0.34
0.38
1/3
0.319

It should be noted that in developing all the correlation equations as shown in respective graphs of
Fig. 3, SPT N-values less than 2 and greater than 50 are ignored as recommended by various authors
due to generally poor accuracy (Ohta and Goto, 1978). It is found that the correlations obtained in this
study compare well with other correlations (Ansary et al., 2010; Hossain, 2009; Lee, 1990; Imai, 1977
etc.) for similar soil conditions. This means that the correlations (Equations 1 and 2) can be used to
estimate the shear wave velocity of Dhaka Soils.

Pile Head Stiffness and Damping

TLEM (ver1.1) takes account of soil strata where foundations are placed and allows a single pilesoil interaction to be evaluated rigorously. Pile head stiffness and damping of single piles were
obtained with TLEM for this study. Here diameter and length were considered as basic variable of
RCC piles. For a single site or study location, soil properties remain constant. However, with the
variation of pile length surrounding soil properties also vary.

TLEM Input Parameters

Out of five selected sites, TLEM analysis was conducted for one reclaimed site (Mirpur DOHS)
followed by a site with original ground (Uttara) in order to have a general idea about pile response (in
reclaimed and original lands) under dynamic lateral load in the gradual expanding northern sectors of
the Dhaka city. Using diameters 457 mm, 508 mm, 560 mm and 610 mm with length varying from 9
to 25 m, dynamic stiffness was obtained from TLEM program corresponding to each diameter. The
dynamic stiffness results separated by real and imaginary parts were compared for various length
and diameter of piles. Real part of the result represents stiffness and imaginary part represents
damping. Details of soil profile with shear wave velocity are shown in Fig. 2. Tables 2 and 3 present
the properties of pile and soil, respectively that are used as input to the TLEM program for both
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Mirpur DOHS and Uttara sites. Material damping for soil was considered 10%. The pile property was
considered homogeneous all along the depth. The interaction effect was observed by the stiffness and
damping curves as discussed below.

Figure 3: Relation between shear wave velocity, Vs and SPT N-value for: (a) Dhaka clay
and (b) Dhaka sand.

Stiffness for Varying Pile Lengths and Diameters for Mipur DOHS Site
Keeping the pile diameter constant for Mirpur DOHS soil with varying length and vice versa, few
sets of graphs for stiffness and damping are generated from TLEM outputs. Stiffness versus frequency
curve developed for 457 mm, 560 mm and 610 mm diameter RCC piles of varying lengths are
presented in Fig. 4 for the reclaimed site Mirpur DOHS represent general parabolic shaped curves.
The stiffness is plotted here as a function of frequency. Downward dips in these plots occur at
essentially the resonant frequency of the soil stratum. Pile cap stiffness decreases slowly as the
frequency increases (Konagai et al., 2000). Also stiffness decreases as the pile length increases.
Beyond the range of active pile length (generally 10 to 15 times pile diameter) this decrement is not
so distinct. It is to be noted that with the change of pile diameter stiffness varies within the active pile
length range only (here it is 6 to 9 m). Beyond this range, stiffness variations almost remain constant
for any further increment of pile length.
Effect of pile diameters on stiffness as presented in Fig. 5a, exhibits increment of initial stiffness
(closer to or at 0 Hz) or static stiffness with the increment of pile diameter. It is observed that
corresponding to each pile diameter, as pile length increases, stiffness decreases. Length closer to
active pile lengths exhibit greater stiffness. As length reaches to 25 m, stiffness variations become
negligible.
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Figure 4: RCC pile head stiffness with variable lengths considering the range of active pile
length (10 to 15 times pile diameter) within a range of 10 Hz frequency for: (a) 457 mm; (b)
560 mm and (c) 610 mm diameter pile.

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Figure 5: (a) Variation of static stiffness of RCC pile head with pile lengths for different
diameters of piles and (b) RCC pile head stiffness for a constant length pile (25 m) with
variable diameters.
In Fig. 5b keeping the pile length constant to 25 m with increment of pile diameter gradually from
457 mm to 610 mm, small variations of stiffness is observed in a frequency range of 40 Hz. Stiffness
decreases as the diameter of pile decreases as well as the loading frequencies. Near to the frequency of
25 Hz all the stiffness curves converge and intersect each other close to a stiffness value of
5.5107kgf/m. This characteristic phenomenon indicates that at certain frequency pile head stiffness
becomes almost independent of pile geometry.

Damping for Varying Pile Lengths and Diameters for Mipur DOHS Site
Damping of foundation is comprised of material damping and radiation damping. Material
damping is commonly assumed to be hysteretic type and thus frequency independent. Radiation
damping is due to the spreading of seismic waves (energy) away from the foundation element.
Radiation damping cannot occur at frequencies below the fundamental natural frequency of the soil
due to its ability to generate progressive waves (Novak, 1991).
The imaginary part of stiffness is obtained from TLEM output and presented for various pile
diameters, d and lengths, L. Variation of damping with frequency (for a pile of dia 457 mm) is shown
in Fig. 6a. Insignificant variations of damping are observed among the curves in a frequency range of
40 Hz. Up to this range curves are almost flat (Fig. 6a). The flat slope of the curve indicates lower
radiation damping. Within this range of frequency material damping is effective. Peaks are caused by
soil layer resonances. The sharpness of the peaks strongly depends on soil viscosity and the peaks can
be actually vanishing with higher viscosity (Novak, 1974). Beyond the frequency of 40 Hz damping
variation is distinct among the curves of L= 6 and 9 m since they are closer to active pile length range
(5 to 7 m). Keeping the pile diameter constant, increment of pile length beyond active length does not
provide much variation in material damping (Fig. 6b). It is also observed that increment of diameter
has greater influence on damping than that of length.
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Figure 6: Imaginary part of RCC pile head stiffness (damping) of a 457 mm diameter pile
with variable lengths in different frequency: (a) up to 120 Hz and (b) up to 15 Hz.

Stiffness and Damping at Predominant Frequency for Mirpur DOHS Site

Considering average predominant frequency as 10 Hz for Dhaka city (Ansary et al., 2004)
stiffness and damping versus pile diameter plots are developed and shown in Fig. 7. From the figure,
it is observed that stiffness increases with the increment of pile diameter. Pile length closer to active
length shows clear variation of stiffness in Fig. 7a. From Fig. 7b, it is observed that at a particular
frequency (f=10 Hz) pile head damping is more for shorter length of piles. Damping increases along
with pile diameter increment. In contrast to stiffness, damping variation is less within active pile
length range.
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Using Fig. 7, pile head stiffness and damping can be obtained for varying diameters
corresponding to few practical range of pile lengths. For Mirpur DOHS site considering the
predominant frequency as 10 Hz, graphs of Fig. 7 present good approximation of pile head stiffness
and damping.
9

0.75
Frequency, f = 10 Hz

Frequency, F = 10 Hz

Stiffness (kgf/m) x 10

Damping, D (kgf/m) x 10

8.5

7.5

L=6m
L=9m
L = 12 m
L = 15 m
L = 20 m
L = 25 m

6.5
450

500

550

600

650

0.70

0.65

L=6m
L=9m
L = 12 m
L = 15 m
L = 20 m
L = 25 m

0.60

0.55
450

500

550

600

Pile Diameter, d (mm)

Pile Diameter, d (mm)

(a)

(b)

Figure 7: Variation of: (a) stiffness and (b) damping with pile diameter for different pile
lengths.

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(a)

(b)
Figure 8: Variation of stiffness with: (a) shear wave velocity, Vs and (b) Poissons ratio ().
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Stiffness for Varying Shear Wave Velocity and Poissons Ratio

Shear wave velocity, Vs and soil Poissons ratio, has direct influence on embedded pile head
stiffness. Using different correlated equations tabulated in Table 1, set of graphs are generated in Fig.
8a and effect of increased soil is presented in Fig. 8b. Both Vs and are actually indicators of soil
stiffness. From Fig. 8a, it is observed that Vs curves corresponding to correlated data (generated by
Equations 1 and 2) exhibit higher stiffness than that of original or field data. Hence, for better
accuracy field data are always preferred. Keeping the diameter and length constant with increasing
Poissons ratio () curves in Fig. 8b present gradual increase of pile head stiffness. The stiffness
curves take descending course as the frequency increases.

Pile Head Stiffness and Damping for Uttara Site

Using the pile and soil properties described in Table 2 and Table 3, respectively by varying the
pile lengths and diameter for Uttara site, several sets of TLEM input files are constituted and
corresponding graphs are generated from TLEM results.

Table 2: Properties of RCC pile

Pile type

Youngs Modulus
Epile(kg/m2)

Shear Modulus
GPile(kg/m2)

Density
pile(kg/m3)

Concrete

2.53E+09

1.05E+09

2406

Steel

2.00E+11

7.58E+10

7830

Length
(m)
9 to 25

Table 3: Soil properties of selected sites

Uttara

Soil Properties/Soil type

Mirpur DOHS

Density, soil (kg/m3)

997 to 2173

1924 to 1956

Poissons ratio,
Shear wave velocity
measured in field, Vs (m/s)
Shear modulus, (N/m2)

0.40, 0.30

0.40, 0.35 and 0.30

88 to 273

207 to 268

1.04E+7 to 1.32E+8

8.35E+7 to 1.40E+8
Soft to Medium stiff silty clay at upper
3 m followed by a stiff clayey silt with
fine sand up to 6 m depth, then onward
up to 15 m depth a layer of medium
dense to dense silty fine sand layer
exists. SPT N-value 8 to 36
(uncorrected)

Soil Type

Medium dense to dense silty fine

sand near a depth of 30 m,
overlying by upper silty fine sand
and clay layers up to a 15 m depth,
SPT N- value 3 to 30 (uncorrected)

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Pile Head Stiffness

Keeping the pile diameter constant to 560 mm with different pile lengths, observed variations of
pile head stiffness are presented by Fig. 9. In contrast to a similar graph (i.e., Fig. 4) of Mirpur DOHS
site, greater pile head stiffness is observed (average stiffness increment is +2.47x108 kgf/m, or average
3.9 times more) with lesser peaks. Peaks of the graph represent soil layer resonance. Lesser peaks
rather indicate stiffer soil presented by lesser number of soil layers compared to Mirpur DOHS.

Figure 9: Frequency dependent RCC pile head stiffness for Uttara site for varying pile
lengths: (a) Up to 120 Hz range and (b) Up to 40 Hz range.

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Pile Head Damping

Keeping the pile diameter constant to 560 mm with different pile lengths (9 to 25 m) observed
variation of pile head damping is presented by Fig. 10a. Here flat slope of curves indicate lower
radiation damping. Beyond the range of flat slope sharp rise of flat curves represent radiation damping
(damping through the soil medium).

Figure 10: Imaginary part of RCC pile head stiffness (damping) for: (a) constant diameter pile with
varying lengths and (b) constant length pile with varying diameter.

In Fig. 10b it is observed that damping increases with the increment of pile diameter. By
comparing the graph with Fig. 6 it is also observed that Uttara site has greater radiation damping than
that of Mirpur DOHS, which is due to the fact that soil of Uttara site has greater stiffness properties.
In Fig. 10b, for L= 20 m and d= 457 mm at about 60 Hz frequency the curve exhibits almost a flat
slope, whereas for the identical case in Fig. 6a of Mirpur DOHS the curve demonstrate about 250
slope. Flat slope thus indicates stiffer soil properties of Uttara site compared to that of Mirpur DOHS.
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Effect of Layer Homogeneity

Effect of soil layer homogeneity directly influences the soil-pile-soil interaction effect. In practice,
an actual soil profile is never perfectly homogeneous. So, the effect of soil non-homogeneity on pile
head stiffness or damping draws special attention. The study area Uttara is mostly dominated by
medium dense to dense silty fine sand with average un-corrected SPT N-value of 36. Using general
properties closer to this layer as a homogeneous soil layer, Table 4 shows required TLEM input
parameters. For better comprehension, original Uttara soil profile is also appended in the same table
side by side.

Table 4: Properties of homogeneous and non-homogeneous soil layer

Properties

Homogeneous layer (Closer

to Uttara site)

Non-homogeneous layer
(Uttara)

Density, soil (kg/m3)

1632 (16 kN/m3)

1924 to 1956

Poissons ratio,

0.35

0.4, 0.35 and 0.3

Shear wave velocity Vs (m/s)

250

207 to 268

Shear modulus , (N/m2)

1.02E+8

8.35E+7 to 1.40E+8

Soil Type

Medium dense to dense silty

fine sand, SPT N- value 30
(un corrected)

Medium stiff silty clay, clayey silt,

loose sandy silt and dense silty fine
sand. SPT 8 to 36 (un corrected)

Using Table 2 for general properties of RCC pile, Table 4 for homogeneous and nonhomogeneous soil layer, stiffness and damping graphs are generated from respective TLEM output
files. Keeping the pile length constant with the increment of pile diameter for a linear pile the stiffness
increases. Fig. 11 shows that homogeneous soil layer provides greater stiffness and damping than that
of non-homogeneous layer. Stiffness range of the curves for both type of layers are shown in Table 5.
Peaks of Fig. 11a are caused by soil layer resonances. Peaks are not as significant in Fig. 11b as the
soil is homogeneous all along the pile depth. So, layer resonance cannot occur and as such in this
figure (Fig 11b) peaks are less distinct. However, at the end of the pile length, transition of layer from
homogeneous to non-homogeneous causes small resonance which is revealed by a downward pick
near 100 Hz in the Fig. 11b.

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40
Pile Length, L = 20m
Non-homogeneous soil layer

Stiffness (kgf/m) x 10

35
30
25
20
15

d
d
d
d

10
5.0
0.0

20

=
=
=
=

610 mm
560 mm
508 mm
457 mm
40

60

80

100

120

Frequency (Hz)

(a)

Stiffness (kgf/m) x 107

50
Pile Length, L = 20 m
Homogeneous soil layer

40
30
20

d = 610 mm
d = 560 mm
d = 508 mm
d = 457 mm

10
0.0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Frequency (Hz)

(b)
Figure 11: Variation of pile head stiffness for linear RCC piles in: (a) Non-homogeneous soil layer
and (b) Homogeneous soil layer.

Table 5: Stiffness variation for different types of soil layers

Type of Soil Layer

Stiffness Range (kgf/m)

Non-homogeneous

2.785 108 to 3.486 108

Homogeneous

3.298 108 to 4.117 108

In Fig. 12a, for a non-homogeneous soil layer material damping is effective within almost 60 Hz
of frequency range. Both soil and pile homogeneity contributed in absorbing energy, thus damping
variation is not significant beyond 60 Hz of frequency range. Beyond 80 Hz of frequency range few
picks are observed in homogeneous soil layer as shown in Fig. 12b. Below the 80 Hz range flat slope
of the curves in Fig 12 represent lower radiation damping. Homogeneous soil profile shows lesser
peaks in comparison to no-homogeneous soil profile which otherwise reflects its greater stiffness
compared to a non-homogeneous layer.

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Damping (kgf/m) x 10

30
Pile Length, L = 20 m
Non-homogeneous soil layer

25
20
15

d = 610 mm
d = 560 mm
d = 508 mm
d = 457 mm

10
5.0
0.0

20

40

60
80
Frequency (Hz)

100

120

100

120

(a)

Damping (kgf/m) x 10

30
Pile Length, L = 20 m
Homogeneous soil layer

25
20

d = 610 mm
d = 560 mm
d = 508 mm
d = 457 mm

15
10
5.0
0.0

20

40

60

80

Frequency (Hz)

(b)
Figure 12: Variation of damping for linear RCC piles in: (a) Non-homogeneous soil layer
and (b) Homogeneous soil layer.

CONCLUSIONS
Pile head stiffness and damping of laterally loaded piles in Dhaka soil condition was determined
using TLEM program based on shear wave velocity. The main findings of the investigation are
summarized below:
1. Upper formation of Dhaka city is mainly composed of Madhupur clay layer which is
about 6 to 12 m thick. Below the clay layer, medium to coarse grained formation exists as
seen in all the selected sites. Medium dense to dense silty fine sand layer is predominant
below 8 to 10 m. In all the selected sites borehole data and soil profiles show that denser
sandy and sandy silt has SPT N-value of about 40 to 50 and clayey silt or silty clay has
the SPT N-value of about 10 to 20. Mirpur, Basundhara and Uttara sites have lower SPT
N-values due to fill content and presence of organic clay and clayey silts.
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2. It is found that silty clay (soft to medium stiff) has the Vs in the range between 150 and
200 m/s, for stiff silty clay the range is between 200 to 250 m/s. Red plastic clay of
Mirpur DOHS and dense sand of Rupnagar has high Vs of above 300 m/s. On the other
hand, loose silty sand and clay in upper 4.5 m depth of Mirpur DOHS has a low range of
Vs between 75 and 90 m/s only. It indicates that the area is mostly formed by filled sand
under which there exists an organic layer. Correlations between SPT N-value and Vs have
been developed based on existing data and other proposed methods as presented by
Equations (1) and (2).
3. Based on the measured and estimated dynamic properties of soil, pile head stiffness as
well as damping for laterally loaded RCC pile foundation was determined using TLEM
for a reclaimed land Mirpur DOHS and an original land Uttara. By varying length and
diameter few reasonable combinations were made to evaluate stiffness and damping for
varying pile diameter, length, shear wave velocity, Poissons ratio and layer homogeneity
as narrated below:
a. Keeping the pile diameter constant from 457 mm to 610 mm with increment
of length and vice versa, significant variations of stiffness (about 1106 to
1.7106 kgf/m) is observed within the range of active pile length (10 to 15 pile
diameter). Beyond the range of active length, pile head stiffness as well as
damping variation is insignificant. So, it is concluded that a pile exhibits
optimum stiffness within active length. Larger diameter pile shows larger
stiffness that drops rapidly as the exciting frequency increases.
b. It was also found that effect of pile diameter variation is more significant
than variation of length. At certain range of frequency (23 to 28 Hz for Mirpur
DOHS), pile head stiffness almost become independent of pile geometry. It
also indicates governing soil property (radiation damping) over the pile
material. The imaginary part of stiffness (damping) is significant within the
shorter loading frequency of about 40 Hz and beyond this range radiation
damping (soil) governs instead of material damping (pile). At about 10 Hz
frequency pile head stiffness for Mirpur DOHS site vary from 6.8107 to
8.8107 kgf/m for a RCC pile of 457 mm to 610 mm diameter and for Uttara
site this magnitude is almost four times greater.
c. For Mirpur DOHS site consideration of the predominant frequency as 10 Hz
(Fig. 7) presents good approximation of pile head stiffness and damping.
Stiffness range varies from 6.99107 to 9.13107kgf/m with the pile diameter
range from 457 to 610 mm. On the other hand, pile head damping vary from
5.54106 to 7.16106kgf/m for the similar pile diameters.
d. The general trend in this study shows that both stiffness and damping
increase with the increase of Poissons ratio. Stiffness of individual curve
decreases as the frequency increases. In contrast to this, damping increases
with the increase of frequency. Shear wave velocity data by using various
established correlations provides greater stiffness (Fig. 8). So, field data is
always preferred for greater accuracy.
Present study is limited to determining dynamic stiffness of a single vertical pile in sway motion
only. Study can also be performed for similar single or grouped vertical piles considering rocking
motion and for the coupled stiffness between lateral sway and rocking motions.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors greatly acknowledge the financial support provided by Bangladesh University of
Engineering and Technology (BUET) for this research. The authors would also like to express their
gratitude and appreciation to the Geology Department of Dhaka University for providing necessary
supports in conducting Shallow Seismic Survey.

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