Asymmetrically reinforced concrete piles in earth retaining systems

Abstract

The asymmetric reinforcement in concrete pile members employed as retaining earth systems has recently been introduced. The use of non-symmetrical piles supposes savings up to 50% in weight of longitudinal reinforcing steel, compared with the traditional symmetrical piles. The behaviour of those new members under service both in short and long term loading is currently under study and new expressions regarding the contribution of concrete in tension have been introduced. Comparison between the behaviour of asymmetrically reinforced piles and its symmetrical counterpart is also presented.