Foundations & Piles

Lateral Pile Capacity (Broms Method)

Ultimate lateral load of single piles by Broms (1964) in clay and sand: free or fixed head, short, intermediate and long piles, with capacity versus length.

Broms (1964a, 1964b)Poulos & Davis (1980)FHWA GEC 12

Inputs

Demo

1. Soil & Head Condition

2. Pile & Load

Plastic moment of steel (fy·Zp) or the moment capacity of a reinforced concrete section

Steel pipe helper (optional)

Results

Enter the soil strength, pile size and yield moment above, or click a Demo preset, to compute the ultimate lateral capacity.

Theory and formulae

Broms Method

About this calculator

This free broms lateral capacity calculator runs entirely in your browser: what you enter is never uploaded. Use the calculation steps and the theory section to check the working, and print a calculation sheet with the inputs, results and formulae for your records.

Methods and references: Broms (1964a, 1964b), Poulos & Davis (1980), FHWA GEC 12.

Topics: broms, lateral pile capacity, ultimate lateral load, laterally loaded pile, free head, fixed head, short pile, long pile, yield moment, pier foundation.

Engineering notice: Results are for preliminary estimation, screening and education. All inputs and outputs must be independently verified by a qualified professional engineer before use in any design or construction decision. Read the full disclaimer