Honest comparisons with the incumbents, how the method works, and how we validate it.
Why lateral pile groups use row-specific p-multipliers (FHWA GEC 9 Table 7-1), not a single axial η — leading vs trailing rows, 3B/5B values, and what PileCalc applies.
August 27, 2026
Why an efficiency formula alone can overestimate a tight friction-pile group in clay — the hub equivalent-block check (Q_block), soil-on-soil perimeter shear, and min(n·Q_single, Q_block).
August 26, 2026
Course lab / practice drill: compute Converse-Labarre η by hand for the hub 3×3 s/d=3 case, confirm ~0.73 in the live calculator, and note what η does not cover.
August 26, 2026
A worked reduction-factor version of the formula that already ranks on the pile group efficiency hub. Geometric screening only. In clay, run the block check too.
August 25, 2026
Use Excel as a controlled front end for lateral pile analysis: cell inputs, results from a p-y API, plus security, limits, provenance, and review checks.
July 24, 2026
Compare lateral pile automation workflows: LPILE multi-file batch runs and Excel export, RSPile Python scripting, and PileCalc REST APIs.
July 24, 2026
An engineer's three-way comparison of LPILE, RSPile, and PileCalc: pricing, p-y libraries, scripting, sign conventions, case evidence, and open gaps.
July 2, 2026
LPILE 2026 costs $1,200 per seat plus $180/yr maintenance. Full Ensoft price list, 3-year cost of ownership, and how RSPile, AllPile, and PileCalc compare.
July 2, 2026
What COM624P is, why the free FHWA p-y program is hard to run in 2026, and the modern implementations of the same method — LPILE, RSPile, and PileCalc.
July 2, 2026
What a p-y curve is, where the classic curves come from, the main model families for clay, sand, and rock, and how p-y solvers actually use them.
July 2, 2026
An eight-step lateral pile design procedure: soil parameters, p-y models, EI, head fixity, loads, governing limits, group effects, and sanity checks.
July 2, 2026
Broms (1964) gives ultimate lateral pile capacity by hand; the p-y method gives the full nonlinear response. When each applies, with a comparison table.
July 2, 2026
How piles carry axial load through shaft friction and tip bearing — α/β methods, end bearing, limiting depth. Free calculator — no install.
July 2, 2026
The Converse-Labarre formula worked out, block-failure checks in clay, efficiency vs spacing, and row-by-row p-multipliers for lateral pile groups.
July 2, 2026
Negative skin friction and downdrag explained: neutral plane, dragload vs capacity, mitigation. Free calculator — no install.
July 2, 2026
The Matlock (1970) soft clay p-y model explained: pᵤ equations, J factor, y₅₀ = 2.5·ε₅₀·b, static vs cyclic curves, parameter tables, and a worked example.
July 2, 2026
Welch & Reese (1972) stiff clay p-y model for clay above the water table: quarter-power curve, cyclic log₁₀N deflection growth, ε₅₀ values, worked example.
July 2, 2026
Reese, Cox & Koop (1975) stiff clay p-y model below the water table: brittle post-peak behavior, As/Ac coefficients, ks/kc values, and a worked example.
July 2, 2026
The Reese (1974) sand p-y model: wedge and flow ultimate resistance, A and B coefficients, piecewise curve construction, parameters, and a worked example.
July 2, 2026
The API sand p-y model (O'Neill & Murchison 1983): C1/C2/C3 coefficients, the tanh backbone, the A factor, k selection, and how it differs from Reese (1974).
July 2, 2026
The Reese (1997) weak rock p-y model: ultimate resistance from qu and RQD, initial stiffness kir·Eir, the krm strain factor, a worked example, and limitations.
July 2, 2026
Method provenance, equation-level agreement, numerical benchmarks, and why we deliberately check against two independent codes — not one.
June 10, 2026
The same FHWA COM624P p-y method, validated to within a few percent of LPILE — minus the Windows dongle. An honest comparison.
May 28, 2026
Match AllPile's all-in-one breadth — lateral, axial, groups, shafts, footings — with a 2026 UI, transparent methods, and shareable projects.
May 14, 2026