PILOTES INCLINADOS: SITUACIÓN NORMATIVA Y VENTAJAS E INCONVENIENTES DE SU USO EN PROYECTOS DE EDIFICACIÓN EN ZONAS CON RIESGO SÍSMICO

Abstract

The regulatory framework currently in force in Spain regarding the construction processes contains very few references to the use of inclined piles in building projects. In the case of constructions located in seismically active regions, Part 5 of Eurocode 8 (Design of structures for earthquake resistance – Foundations, retaining structures and geotechnical aspects) dictates that if inclined piles are used, they should be designed to safely carry axial loads as well as bending loads, but notes that inclined piles are not recommended for transmitting lateral loads to the soil. This situation is due partly to the lack of technical knowledge to support such rule developments, and partly to several structural failures observed in different seismic events in the late eighties and early nineties. However, and despite the existence of disadvantages, several studies suggest a beneficial role of inclined piles for the foundation itself but also for the whole building. This paper discusses briefly some aspects related to the regulatory framework affecting this type of foundation system. Then, different results will be presented in order to illustrate the possible advantages and drawbacks of its use in building projects in seismically active regions.