Reference for designing pile cap

Concrete Construction, August, 2004 by Anthony L. Felder

I wish to point out a serious omission in the Problem Clinic department of the April 2004 issue of CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION. The question was raised concerning what references are available for designing pile caps for both flexure and punching shear.

Since it was first published in 1952, the CRSI Design Handbook has presented tabulated designs of pile caps. Since 1975, the Handbook has also included designs for high-capacity piles. The design tables cover 40-ton to 200-ton capacity piles, and pile caps with two to 30 piles. The basis of the tabulated designs, design examples, and typical reinforcing bar details are also presented in the Handbook's section on pile caps.

--Anthony L. Felder Technical Director Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute