105 Some p-multipliers are available in commercial software programs. However, care must be exercised when using p-multipliers that differ from those in Table 7-1, even if included in software programs.
Caltrans (2003) notes that the results of a full-scale group lateral load test program indicated that the p- multipliers that were automatically generated by one software program under-predict the group effect compared to the results
of their field load tests, and that users of the program should consider specifying other p-multipliers. The loading and subsurface conditions used for development of alternative p-multipliers should be carefully understood to ensure that the p-multipliers are appropriate for the particular design condition, as well as acceptable with regard to local practice and precedence.
By contrast, the p-multipliers presented in Table 7-1 are published by AASHTO and are intended for wide use in the design of transportation structures.
7.2.2.3 Considerations for Group Effects for Other Methods of Analysis The p-multiplier values presented in Table 7-1 are applicable only to the p-y method. The
Pmvalues presented above and in the noted published references generally have not been calibrated to other analysis methods. The Broms method is applicable only to single piles and is not applicable to analysis of pile groups.
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