Earth pressure is playing a paramount role in estimating the capacity of piles driven in sand. In the literature, reports can be found introducing simplifying assumptions to estimate the earth pressure acting on the pile's shaft. Empirical formulas were developed based on limited laboratory or field test data, where high discrepancies were reported.

In this paper, the theory of cavity expansion together with the finite element technique were utilized to develop a numerical model, capable of evaluating the earth pressure acting on the pile's shaft, and accordingly, the corresponding coefficient of passive earth pressure and the overconsolidation ratio in the sand mass.

Analytical model was developed to predict the capacity of these piles, utilizing limit equilibrium method of analysis. It is of interest to note that pile's capacity is significantly influenced by the driven process of the pile, and further the earth pressure acting on the pile's shaft increases due to an increase of the pile's diameter in case of loose or medium sands, while in case of dense sand, the earth pressure decreases due to particle crushing and dilation. Design theory and design procedure are presented for practicing use.