To design of the pile caps are utilized the strut and tie model and bending theory. The Model Blévot and Frémy [1] is one of the models used to design of pile-caps. Another method for the design of caps is Model Beam that used bending theory. In the model of French researchers to cross section of the column is proportional to the cross section of strut near the column. To check the influence of the column cross section in the structural behaviour of the pile caps, experimental tests of the two pile caps were realized, varying the dimensions of the column and the high of the pile caps. Comparative analysis of experimental results with the results found by the Model Blévot and Frémy [1] was realized. It was observed that the increase of the column cross section conferred the pile caps greater strength capacity.
foundations; pile caps; experimental analysis