Development and experimental evaluation of bio-inspired pile surface asperities for enhanced load transfer in sandy soils

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2025.334186

Keywords:

axial load capacity, caudal asperity, cranial asperity, experimental validation, L / H ratio

Abstract

In sandy soils, skin resistance efficiency is critical, as it governs load capacity, settlement, and foundation cost. This study investigates pile foundations with directional surface asperities embedded in uniform sand to clarify the limited knowledge of how asperity orientation (cranial vs. caudal), geometric ratio (L / H), and pile diameter affect axial load transfer. Experimental tests were conducted on steel piles with diameters of 10, 12, and 15.85 mm under smooth, cranial, and caudal conditions with L / H ratios of 20, 26.67, and 33.33. Axial compression tests following ASTM D1143-20 in controlled dry sand provided ultimate load and shaft resistance data, validated by one-way ANOVA. The results show that cranial asperities consistently outperformed other surfaces, with the Cr L / H 20 configuration on the 15.85 mm pile reaching 0.368 kN, a 392.51% increase over smooth piles, while caudal asperities achieved only 134.30%. Cranial asperities also mobilized shaft resistance more uniformly along the pile, reducing end-bearing reliance. This performance is explained by stronger passive interaction at the pile-soil interface, which raises normal stress and friction mobilization. The distinctive feature of this research is the identification of the L / H ratio as a measurable design parameter, with L / H = 20 found to be optimal, in contrast to previous studies that described roughness only qualitatively. The findings demonstrate practical potential for applying cranial asperity designs in pile foundations for light- to medium-scale infrastructure on sandy soils, such as bridges, wharves, and transmission towers, enabling shorter or fewer piles without compromising safety while improving cost efficiency and geotechnical performance

Author Biographies

Agata Iwan Candra, Universitas Brawijaya

Doctor Candidate in Civil Engineering

Department of Civil Engineering

As`ad Munawir, Universitas Brawijaya

Doctor of Civil Engineering, Professor

Department of Civil Engineering

Yulvi Zaika, Universitas Brawijaya

Doctor of Civil Engineering

Department of Civil Engineering

Eko Andi Suryo, Universitas Brawijaya

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Geotechnical Engineering

Department of Civil Engineering

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Development and experimental evaluation of bio-inspired pile surface asperities for enhanced load transfer in sandy soils

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Published

2025-10-30

How to Cite

Candra, A. I., Munawir, A., Zaika, Y., & Suryo, E. A. (2025). Development and experimental evaluation of bio-inspired pile surface asperities for enhanced load transfer in sandy soils. Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 5(1 (137), 94–101. https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2025.334186

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (137) (2025): Engineering technological systems

Section

Engineering technological systems

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Copyright (c) 2025 Agata Iwan Candra, As`ad Munawir, Yulvi Zaika, Eko Andi Suryo

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