Feld's rule is empirical and appears to give reasonable results in the same ranges as the other

methods except for the low efficiencies of large groups by Masters' formula The value of each
pile is reduced by one-sixteenth on account of the effect of the nearest pile in each diagonal or
straight row of which the pile in question is a member.
Block Failure of Pile Groups Block failure of pile groups is generally Block failure of pile
groups is generally only a design consideration for pile groups only a design consideration for
pile groups in soft cohesive soils or in cohesionless in soft cohesive soils or in cohesionless
soils underlain by a weak cohesive layer.
Settlement of Pile Groups in Cohesive Soils
Cohesive Soils Terzaghi and Peck proposed that pile group settlements in clays could be
evaluated by an settlements in clays could be evaluated by an equivalent footing situated at a
depth of 1/3 D above the pile toe