Variation analysis effects of square and rectangular columns section with different longitudinal reinforcement rates in the main reinforcement two pile caps analysis

Resumo The pile-cap structural elements are used as a transition between the columns of buildings and foundations. The most appropriate method for the pile caps design is the Strut and Tie model. In most cases in the structural project is not considered the influence of certain parameters: the columns cross section and the amount of longitudinal reinforcement columns. This paper studies the effect of the variability of the geometric section of square and rectangular columns, with different longitudinal reinforcement rates, in the main reinforcement traction two pile caps. The basis for study was development experimental program in the Structures Laboratory of EESC-USP. The traction reinforcement bars strains are reduced the pile-caps central section to pile-caps sections that approximate cutting axis shows the experimental results. In models with columns of elongated rectangular section and with great reinforcement rates this reduction is smaller.


Introduction
The pile caps "are volume structures used to transmit foundation forces for the piles" is defined by the NBR 6118: 2014 [1].The pile caps in Brazil are widely used as the foundation of buildings, and must receive special attention, as when in operation, the inspection is difficult.The behavior of pile caps is defined as rigid or flexible.The rigids pile caps behavior is defined by work will bending in both directions, working shear in both directions and forces transmitted to column essentially compression struts.Strut and tie method as the best model to pile caps design.In Brazil, the most common method for pile caps design is is based on research Blévot & Frémy [2].These authors recommend an application of the Strut and tie model based on experimental models tested by them.The method Blévot and Frémy [2] is recommended for forces centered on the columns and all piles need to be equally spaced from tthe centre column.This method can also be used for non centered forces from assuming that all piles remain subject to the most active force.The initial idea of the method is designed for columns of square section and centered forces.There are variations of the geometric parameters of the comuns in the structural designs pile caps, the cross sections may be square, rectangular or circular, that changes the scheme to be adopted and the nodal region to be checked.The pile caps may be subjected to different types of actions: vertical loads, mom For a given pile cap, there may be many models of trusses representing fields statically balanced and plastically permissible stresses..ents and horizontal loads, and this can also change the truss model to be considered.
Research have been seeking to study the various factors that can influence the strut and tie model applied to pile caps.There are questions about influence area and the shape of the section of the column: which model can be used in the design pile caps that receive columns sections composed of several rectangles?which the association model various columns on the same pile caps?There are few studies that show the influence of different types of foundation piles in the adopted calculation model.This paper aimed to study the influence of the column section with different rates of longitudinal reinforcement in the ties rigid two pile caps reinforcement.The research proposal led to the perception that the design of pile caps with rectangular columns is not equal to considered for square columns.According to Fusco [3] when there are different reinforcement ratios in columns force is transmitted for the pile caps at different heights, which can change the height of the truss (analysis subject in the different methods) changing forces in the tensile reinforcement bars.In this research was chosen do an experimental analysis of models with different sections of columns and different reinforcement ratios, were not found in literature studies with pile caps which varied these parameters.

Analytical methods
The method based on research and Blévot Frémy [2] applies to rigid pile caps with forces centered on the columns and all equally spaced piles of the column center.
The tests performed by Blévot & Frémy [2] pile caps were analyzed containing two, three and four piles, for five pile caps adapted to formulation existing for the model with four piles.This method is limited to these models.Blévot & Frémy [2] method is based on hypotheses that differ from Strut and Tie method.The method does not define the nodal regions and tensions that need to be checked.This method makes a check of the compressive stress in the struts, not the nodal regions as suggested by the model strut and tie.Blévot & Frémy [2] method does not define dimensions strut and tie is therefore similar to a truss model.A procedure also used by some designers structures is the method suggested by the CEB-FIP [4].This routine design is applied to pile caps with a distance between the faces of the column to the axis of the furthest pile varying between one third and half the pile cap height.The method suggests a calculated bending considering an internal reference section relative to the face of the column, and measured distance of 0.15 from the side of the column in the considered direction.For verification of the resistance capacity of shear force, is defined the distant external reference section of the face of the column of a length equal to half the pile cap height.In case of surrounding the column piles, which are distant less than half the pile cap height, the section considered coincides with the face of the column.The two main methods are based on different assumptions.The Blévot & Frémy [2] method adopts a model truss and checks compressive stresses considering the sections of the column and the piles projected in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the strut; CEB-FIP [4] method indicates safety checks to normal and shear stresses with the internal forces determined in particular cross sections.The present study been used Fusco [3] recommendations for the design of experimental models.Fusco [3] suggests Strut and Tie method for the design of pile caps, the author adopts particular characteristics in the analytical model.In verifying the security of struts compressed, the author considers that the stress acting on the column decreases along a height (x) in block, this height is influenced by the section of the column (square or rectangular) and the longitudinal reinforcement ratio of the column.Fusco [3] concludes that the diagonal struts are formed from this horizontal section at a depth x where the active stress on the column can be considered smaller because the collaboration of reinforcement column.With these deductions it is concluded that the struts inclination is reduced, the resultant force influencing tie force.The anchoring of traction reinforcement bars is also an important factor in the pile caps design.Some authors recommend procedures that may consider reductions in these lengths.This anchorage length in the pile caps can be measured from the plane containing the of the pile center or plane tangential the pile the block and the internal.In this research the experimental results allowed the discussion of anchoring the reinforcement of pile caps.

Normative instructions
Currently, the main international standards have two design methods: Bending method and Strut and tie model, there is logic in preference to application of the first flexible pile caps and the second in rigid pile caps.IBRACON Structures and Materials Journal • 2017 • vol. 10 • nº 3

Variation analysis effects of square and rectangular columns section with different longitudinal reinforcement rates in the main reinforcement two pile caps analysis
The Brazilian standard NBR 6118: 2007 [5] classifies the structural behavior of pile caps as: rigid and flexible.For rigid pile caps the structural model adopted for design can be three-dimensional, linear or non-linear models and three-dimensional Strut and tie model, which are preferred by better define the distribution of forces.The NBR 6118: 2007 [5] does not provide in its text a script for checks and design.The latest Brazilian standard NBR 6118: 2014 [1] has chapter dealing about struts and tie models, as well as other international standards.In this chapter are recommended parameters resistance limits of nodal regions for strut and tie models.EHE [6] recommendation is used for each case of pile caps, a different strut and tie model.The standard suggests dimensioning equations for the primary and secondary reinforcement of the most common pile caps models.According to the Spanish standard to check the resistance of nodes usually is not necessary if the piles are molded in place and that the columns and the piles have compression strength of concrete equal to the pile caps.Other cases need the checks in the nodal regions.For pile caps considered flexible to EHE [6] recommends the time to calculate bending in critical section, these criteria are similar to CEB-FIP [4] method.When the distance between piles is greater than twice the pile caps height are the American code-ACI 318-08 [7] verification is recommended to checking bending.For cases of pile caps in which the ratio of the distance between the piles is less than twice the pile caps height is used strut and tie models according to the recommendations of Appendix A ACI 318-08-code [7].This appendix was included in the American standard since 2002 and presents a general procedure for elements of design using strut and tie a model, such as limits for stresses in the struts and nodal regions and minimum values of the inclination struts.This section can be ended that most of the standards does not have oriented models or scripts for the design, except for the EHE [6], which provides models for the most common cases, and suggests consideration of models for particular cases.

Recent research with emphasis on pile caps design criteria conducted in Brazil
In the 70s and 80s, in Brazil, there was little research on the subject, but from the 90s began to emerge some work.
Miguel [8] conducted numerical and experimental analysis in order to study the behavior of rigid three pile caps.It´s important to use the same main reinforcement positioned on piles and varied areas , in the tested models.In order to study the development of cracks and failure modes it´s possible to reinforcement that.The models tested by the researcher broke by splitting the compressed strut, and after reached yield strength of steel.The author concludes that the Blévot and Frémy [2] method provides conservative results as all experimental models reached ultimate load greater than those estimated by the theoretical model.Souza [9] investigated methods Finite Element Method and Stringer-Panel Method.The main elements that the author studied were the deep beams and pile caps.This concrete elements wasn´t considered the Bernoulli hypothesis.The author proposes to establish variation limits for cracking strength and ultimate strength, especially when you have no experimental data.According to the author, a linear analysis can lead to building a model, and nonlinear analysis provides answers the service elements.Comparing numerical results and analytical Souza [9] found a difference of 20% in the results of ultimate strength.The author also observes that the analytical model limiting the stress equal to 1.4 fck is conservative.In general, the researcher found that for complex structures, such as pile caps, an alternative de-

Table 1
Measures of columns, pile caps and piles and longitudinal reinforcement ratio Delalibera [10] conducted experimental and numerical analysis of two pile caps models.The researchers tested 14 models in real scale.In models tested researcher varies reinforcement arrangements, pile caps height, the sections of the columns and the position of application of compressive strength.The models tested by Delalibera [10] broke by splitting the compressed strut.The rupture of the concrete (the strut) occurred near the column, and in some cases close to pile, formed a break-up along the pile caps height caused by shear strength.Delalibera [10] proposed models strut and tie for case studies based on the results obtained by means of experimental and numerical analysis.
Buttignol [11] conducted numerical analysis with two and three pile caps.The researcher made a comparison of numerical results and experimental results of other authors observed parameters such as stiffness, flow stresses, plastic deformation, type of failure and bearing capacity.The researcher made some changes in the models to check variations in the flow stress and the reinforcement.
Analyzing the results obtained Buttignol [11] reached some important conclusions: numerical models showed similar results to the experimental.The numerical model was more rigid than the experimental, n three pile caps was failure by breaking the concrete, splitting the compressed strut and after reached yield strength of steel, in two and three pile caps of the tensile reinforcement anchoring hooks had small stresses, Strut and tie a Method is safe for the design of pile caps.
In this section it was found that the research has advanced in Brazil contributing to the design criteria for pile caps.

Experimental program and materials
This section describes the design, construction of models and description of the tests performed An analysis of the steel and concrete materials was done previously.Subsequently they were designed, constructed and tested twelve models of two pile caps in 1: 2. The models were built without the side flaps for better understanding of the deformations in the concrete face.This stage was conducted in the Structures Laboratory of the Department of Structural Engineering School of Engineering of São Carlos -USP.

Design of experimental models
The initial idea was to study pile caps in the case of columns with different areas of cross sections.With the literature review noted that there were no experimental studies that considered the column reinforcement ratio with the transmission of forces on the pile caps and the influence of these factors on the main reinforcement (ties) of the pile caps.experimental models were adopted with the sections of the columns: 12.5 cm x 12.5 cm, 12.5 cm x 25.0 cm, 12.5 cm x 37.5 cm and 12.5 cm x 50.0 cm .The reinforcement of the columns rates were 1%, 2.5% and 4%, totaling 12 different types of columns.They were adopted the same height for all pile caps and the same angle of inclination of the compressed struts.The design of the scale models was made from measurements in real size considering the geomérica scale 1: 2.
The models were divided into four different series.The terminator used was based on the distance between the axes of the piles

Figure 1
Main measures (cm) of the experimental pile caps Variation analysis effects of square and rectangular columns section with different longitudinal reinforcement rates in the main reinforcement two pile caps analysis (this distance is varied to maintain the same angle of inclination), the extent of the column section in the axis direction that contains piles, and the reinforcement adopted rates column.For example, the B110P125R1 model B110 refers to the block with a distance of 1.10 m between axes piles P125 column with edge of 12.5 cm and R1 refers to reinforcement ratio of 1%.The main measures of the models are shown in Table 1.
All columns were constructed of 35 cm, the blocks were 40 cm and piles 40 cm.For all piles was adopted a square cross section of 12.5 cm x 12.5 cm. Figure 1 also shows the main dimensions of the pile caps models.
For the design of the pile caps and columns adopted the characteristic compressive strength of concrete (f ck ) of 25 MPa for piles were considered f ck = 50 MPa and the steel bars were CA-50 category (f yk = 500 MPa ).In experimental models were not adopted safety factors in the design of the columns and blocks, they were only considered in the design of the piles.The justification for adoption of these parameters is possible that during the test did not occur premature failure of the piles.
For the design of the models they used the method of Blévot & Frémy [2] the recommendations of NBR 6118: 2007 [5] and Fusco [3].A summary of calculated reinforcement is shown in Table 2.
To calculate the anchoring of strut reinforcement bars adopted the procedure proposed by Burke [12].The favorable effect of compression of struts was found by increasing the a adhesion strength.
The pile axis had considered by the anchor bars star point (perpendicular to the pile caps).

Construction of models
The first step of building was the assembly of the wooden mold laminated 15mm thick.Following analyzes were made of the materials used, concrete and steel.
Previously discussed in the construction of models were used  Figure 2 shows the initial stages of construction of the models.
The concreting of the pile caps models was done in two stages.First, they were concreted piles and then the pile caps and columns.Figure 3 shows the final steps in the construction of experimental model.

Equipment, instruments and materials for testing
The Structures Laboratory of EESC-USP performed the tests.The main equipment used was the Instron 8506 machine with a nominal capacity of 2500 kN force, the possibility of using this machine was given by to rehearse models reduced in scale 1: 2. For data acquisition, system used a computer System 500. Figure 4 shows details of the equipment.
They were also used two load cells with 2000 kN capacity for action of forces in the piles.For measurements of the displacements at the base and sides of the models were used five displacement transducers.Autotest-2000 machine has been used to test specimens for analysis of materials.

Results presentation
The experimental results sought to assess the form of failure the analyzed pile caps and the influence of variations in measurements of the long sides and longitudinal reinforcement rates of the columns in deformation of the main reinforcement bars of traction pile caps.Additional data can be obtained in Munhoz [13].

Description of tests
The models were tested with equipment that applies force on the upper surface of the column via a piston controlled by displacement.The piston displacement speed was 0,002 mm/s.Models had similar behavior in the tests.The cracks configuration had similar developments in all models.The first cracks appeared at the bottom of the pile caps, with an increase of forces appeared inclined cracks in the lateral face of the pile caps in the column direction and pile, inclined cracks evolved in length and opening until failure models.Figures 5 and 6 show the evolution of cracking had been tested in models.In all models after failure observed arcing, outlining the path of flow of compressive stresses.Cracking did not occur in the regions located at the top edges and corners.In models of B127 series it was observed that in the region below the column an integral region without formation of cracks.

Open cracks and failure strengths analysis
In tests the forces that caused the first cracks were been recorded.monitoring of the cracks openings was made.
The openings of the cracks in the tested models blocks have values between 0.5 mm and 0.8 mm, considering the final stage of force.NBR 6118: 2007 [5] predicts 0.40 mm openings limits, structure in service, with the purpose of reinforcement corrosion protection.In this research reinforcement cover were lower than recommended by the standard.Importantly, maximum values presented are the structure failure.
Important data with respect to the openings of the cracks is the index that indicates the percentage of strength in that the first crack occurred (F r ) compared the failure strength (F u ) .These data are shown in Table 3.  Theoretical ultimate loads were calculated using the method of Blévot & Frémy [2], first utilizandos expressions 1 (limit strength in the upper nodal zone) and 2 (limit strength in the inferior nodal  Variation analysis effects of square and rectangular columns section with different longitudinal reinforcement rates in the main reinforcement two pile caps analysis zone) the equaling stresses in struts along the column and piles.

It is possible to analyze in
( Theoretical ultimate loads by using the expressions ( 1) and ( 2) were been calculated initially, it is expected characteristic of the concrete compressive strength of 25 MPa.The mean compressive strength of concrete was 33.85 MPa, used in models of pile caps, considering that it should multiply by 0.9 so that there is equivalence between specimen and structure, is estimated to average strength of concrete compression equal to 30.47 MPa.Whereas the theoretical ultimate load should be smaller force between the   4 was made a comparative analysis between the experimental and theoretical ultimate strength.Table 4 we analyzed models B110 series with the increase in reinforcement rate in the columns was been increased in the ultimate experiment strength.In the series B115 and B120 the greatest ultimate strength was achieved by models with higher reinforcement rates in columns, B115P250R4 and B120P375R4.Same analysis for series B127, the greatest ultimate strength occurred in the model with lower reinforcement rate, B127P500R1, this was due to the influence of different reinforcement rates.The B110 series were the models showed lower values of relationship F u,teo / F u,exp , except B110P125R1 model, which had premature failure of the column.All models showed higher experimental strength than the theoretical strength.

Strain measured on the bars of tie reinforcement
Two pile caps strain measured on the bars of tie reinforcement measured with strain gages.They were instrumented two bars, as shown in Figure 7, strain gages were bonded in the sections coincident with the pile caps center (e2 and e4) and in the position that coincides with the axis of the pile (e1 and e3).Considering the symmetry instrument to one side of the pile caps.
The gages points chosen allowed the calculation of the stress in the tie reinforcement, enabling analysis of experimental and theoretical results.The pile caps of the series B120 and B127 were designed with bar reinforcement in the second layer, had one of the second instrumented layer bars in the center position (e25).
The gages 1, 2, 3 and 4 leased in the same position, but in different bars, showed similar performance can be considered that all

Figure 8
Mean measured strains in strain gages e2 and e4 (central position) Variation analysis effects of square and rectangular columns section with different longitudinal reinforcement rates in the main reinforcement two pile caps analysis the bars had the same strain in equivalent positions.It was used mean strain between e1 and e3, e2 and e4 to make a comparative analysis of the models of the same series.The graphs of mean measured strains in strain gages e2 and e4 (central position) are shown in Figure 8.
The analysis means deformations in the center of the tie bars B110 models showed an increase in strain with increasing rate column reinforcement.The series B 115 most strain occurred on the pile caps with rate of 2.5% of the column reinforcement, B115P250R25.At B120 and B127 sets the values of strain measured in the cross section are similar in all, the increase in strain is not significant with increasing reinforcement ratio of the column.Table 5 shows the mean values of strain measured by strain related steps ultimate experimental strength Table 5 shows the mean values of strain measured at the center of the strut reinforcement bars (e2 and e4) and sections containing the axes of the piles (e1 and e3).The purpose of using these strain gages at the positions that coincide with the axes of the pile was verifying the bar is deformed along its length.In most designs had been observed that this strain has a value close to 1 ‰, and this value is smaller than the average strain value in the yield, but being a very non-zero value, which means that it has to provide for anchoring in hook these bars.

Force estimated the tie
With the strain measured in strain gages, in the main tensile reinforcement bars, it was possible to estimate the force in the tie (Rst,exp).Considering that all the reinforcement bars of the section are subject to the same stress (instrumented were two of the four bars) was made an average between the gages and calculated the experimental force Rst,exp.
The values of the forces (R st,exp ) estimated with the deformations of the reinforcement bars, registered by the strain gages e2 and e4 are shown in Table 6.For this calculation, we used the elastic modulus, obtained to the test of the reinforcement bars, the values obtained were 198.02GPa to 12.50 mm diameter bars (series B110, B115, B120); and 202.56 GPa to 16mm bars (B127).The values of the forces used in the project, are also shown in Table 6, the theoretical value of the project effective force (R st,efe,teo ) had been calculated for a medium compressive strength of concrete 30.47 MPa, and medium strength yield of steel bars 558.41 MPa.
As shown in Table 6, the values of experimental forces on the tiés are changed with the variation rates of reinforcement in columns.
Making a comparative analysis between the experimental forces estimated with the bars strains and the theoretical effective force calculated by method Blévot and Frémy [2], the models of the B110 series only B110P125R4 model showed greater strength than the theoretical.For models of the B115 series, only the B115P250R25 model had the tie experimental force than theoretical.In the B120 and B127 series experimental values in all models were lower.

Strength parameters determined experimentally for inferior nodal zone
The design of compression struts, considered in a calculation model, is closely linked to how the compressive stresses are distributed in structural element.In experimental models studied in the investigation of strains in the face of the pile caps it was not possible to define a strut strength parameter.However it was found that in some models was the failure by rupture of the concrete in compression strut zone.Therefore, as strength parameter takes lower values than the compression strength of concrete.Stress in the inferior nodal zone had been checked in the region in which the tie reinforcement is intercepted by the compression strut, perpendicular to the width of the strut.The limits stresses parameters in this region involve the angle of inclination of the strut, set them based on the experimental results is not good alternative Note: f c = 0,9*fcm because the studied pile caps remained the same angle of inclination of the struts.
To define the strength parameters, this research stresses the inferior nodal zone (piles) were obtained in each model, considering the ultimate force (Fu), and considering the greater reaction in piles.
To calculate the stress in the inferior nodal zones is first calculated effective stress, considering the area of 156,25 cm 2 pile; was calculated, also a stress strut in considering the projected area pile on an inclined plane the inclination was adopted in accordance with θ exp angle calculated from experimental values of tie strain.The calculated stresses were related to the average strength of concrete f c compression (calculated with experimental values) multiplied by 0.9 (coefficient of the relationship between the specimen and real structure).These relations and the values of the stress in the inferior nodal zone are shown in the table 7.
Based on the values of Table 7 nodal stresses in the pile zone were higher in models of the B127 series.Making a comparison between models of the same series it can be said that for B110 series, B115 and B120 larger stresses in nodal areas occurred for models with larger reinforcement rates column (B110P125R4, B115P250R4, B120P375R4) in B127 series the highest stress value occurred to B127P500R1 model (lower rate).
In designs in series B127 relationships between effective stress and the average compressive strength of the concrete were higher than those recommended, a fact that may have been established that rupture of the concrete in that zone.In the B120 series this value was close to one and in the other series the values were well below proving that there was no rupture of the concrete in that zone.

Discussion of results
Initially we present a table 8 with a summary of the main influences of reinforcement ratio values of columns in the operation of the models pile caps.
Analyzing the strain reinforcement tie in the central sections, can be said, except for the models B110 and B120 series, the latest average strain were higher in models with smaller geometric reinforcement ratio of the column.In models of the B120 series of the strain gages has been damaged, hampering the analysis.The strain measured in pile caps tensile reinforcement, the section containing the axis of the pile, there seems to be a great influence of of the column section because in models of the B127 series reducing strain along the reinforcement bar was lower in models greater reinforcement rate column.These findings lead to some conclusions about the anchoring bars of the main reinforcement in two pile caps.Some authors suggest that the anchoring start point of the bar is from the of the pile center, and others, recognize that this point is located in the inner plane tangent the pile.The Value of anchoring force is considered in some methods the calculated force equals tie and others suggest the mitigation of this force as there is a favorable effect of the compression strut, improving the anchoring condition.It is clear that the pile caps designs practical considerations are adopted, moreover, there is no consensus on what to adopt and how to project.The main reinforcement bars must be considered in this article and it is always anchored with hooks at the ends where pile caps that receive columns of elongated rectangular section.Parameters related to strength in the inferior nodal zones as the ratios obtained from the stress struts in the inferior nodal zone, and the average strength of the concrete does not exceed the value of 0.87.This value is 62% lower than that suggested by some authors, indicating the consideration of a coefficient of 1.4 to two pile caps, multiplying 0,85f cd for setting the limit stress at the pile.
The values of the estimated strength parameters with experimental data for inferior nodal zones (pile), show significant Variation analysis effects of square and rectangular columns section with different longitudinal reinforcement rates in the main reinforcement two pile caps analysis Note: in all models the strains of the reinforcement in the position of the axis of the piles was low for columns with lower reinforcement ratio differences between columns of square section and columns of rectangular section.In general, relations for square section columns parameters are smaller.There is no significant influence of the different columns of reinforcement rates in these parameters.Making a comparative analysis between the experimental values and the parameters suggested by NBR 6118: 2014 [1] and considering that the experimental values no safety factors, it can be said that the smaller experimentally estimated ratios are close to the values suggested by ABNT NBR 6118: 2014 [1].With this analysis it is clear that there is influence of the section of the elongated columns in the resistance of the inferior nodal zones.

Conclusion
With the results obtained in this study, it was possible to analyze the influence of square and rectangular columns and the influence of different longitudinal reinforcement ratios of columns in pile caps tensile reinforcement.
The results corroborated the Fusco [3] method because showed that section of the columns and different reinforcement rates influence the two pile caps's behavior.
It was concluded that the experimental ultimate forces in the main reinforcement bars of the pile caps occur in the central regions, and the cross sections coincide with planes containing the axes of the piles showed lower strengths.This fact can be understood as the influence of compressive stress fields in the distribution of tensile stresses in these regions.In models with elongated rectangular columns this reduction was smaller.This fact shows that the cross section of the columns influences on requests tie.It is suggested, therefore, that the tie reinforcement bars in such cases must have been anchored to the hook.This showed that the strains in the tie reinforcement bars are cut from the central section to the sections containing the axis of the pile.This reduction is smaller in models with elongated rectangular columns and large reinforcement rates, thus reducing the anchorage lengths and no provision hooks on the main reinforcement tie can be a misconception, and should be analyzed more criterion each case.
The analysis also performed proved the influence of column sections and reinforcement rates in the tensions that limit the nodal zones of the model, with the possible adoption of criteria that take this into account.
sign is to use in conjunction Strut and tie a Method and Finite Element Method.It also concludes that Strut and tie a Method is safe for the design of rigid pile caps.

Figure 2
Figure 2 Initial stages of construction of experimental models Molds Strain gages Reinforcement assembling

Figure 3 4
Figure 3 Stages of construction of experimental modelsConcreting pilesInstallation of reinforcement pile caps in molds

Figure 5
Figure 5Evolution of cracks in models of two pile caps

Figure 6
Figure 6Configuration of cracking in the tested models Column cross-sectional area; A e -Pile cross-sectional area; F teo,e -Normal force from the pile; F teo,p -Normal force from the column; , zn s σ -strength in the upper nodal zone; , zn i σ -strength in the inferior nodal zone.

Figure 7
Figure 7 Strain gages positions in tie reinforcement

Table 2
Summary of reinforcement of experimental models

Table 3
B110 models series with

Table 3
Failure Strength x Strength causes first crack

Table 4
Experimental and theoretical strength

Table 5
Strain measured by strain gages x ultimate experimental strength

Table 6
Force R st calculated on the strut reinforcement bars

Table 7
Stress in the inferior nodal zone

Table 8
Summary of the main influences of column reinforcement rate variation