The group efficiency of a pile groupa)will be always less than 100%b)w...
Group Efficiency is defined as the ratio ultimate bearing capacity of a pile group to the sum of the ultimate load capacity of individual piles

For sandy soil: η > 1.0
This is because the soils get densified due to the driving of piles in sandy soil and hence soil strength properties increase.
For clayey soil: η < 1.0
This is because the pressure bulbs of individual piles overlap the pressure bulb of each other resulting in a reduction of pile group carrying capacity.
∴ Pile group efficiency will be more than 100% for pile group in cohesionless soil and less than 100% for those in cohesive soils.
The group efficiency of a pile groupa)will be always less than 100%b)w...
Understanding Group Efficiency of Pile Groups
The efficiency of a pile group refers to how effectively the group can support loads compared to individual piles. The concept is influenced by soil type and load distribution.
Factors Influencing Group Efficiency
- Soil Type: The behavior of pile groups varies significantly in cohesive versus cohesionless soils.
- Load Distribution: The way loads are transferred through piles affects their performance as a group.
Efficiency in Cohesionless Soils
- In cohesionless soils (like sand), pile groups can experience increased efficiency due to lateral and vertical load sharing.
- The interaction between piles allows for better redistribution of forces, often leading to a group efficiency greater than 100%.
Efficiency in Cohesive Soils
- In cohesive soils (like clay), the behavior is different. The piles may not interact as beneficially due to the stiffness of the surrounding soil.
- This can lead to a situation where the group efficiency is less than 100%, as the soil may not provide adequate support or may limit the performance of the individual piles.
Conclusion
The correct answer, option 'D', reflects the reality that:
- Group efficiency can exceed 100% in cohesionless soils due to favorable load sharing.
- Conversely, it is typically less than 100% in cohesive soils due to the restrictive nature of the soil.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective pile design and performance evaluation in different soil conditions.