This dissertation is about our understanding of the mechanism of negative skin friction, and about how we currently analyze negative skin friction. It discusses 5 methods of analysing negative skin friction, namely empirical, finite element, load transfer, continuum and hybrid. The last two methods are further evaluated; negative skin friction computed using the methods are compared with the values measured in a pile model test. The study is then extended to pile groups. It first reviews the literature on negative skin friction in pile groups founded on a rigid bearing stratum, and in order to widen the scope to include negative skin friction in pile groups founded on a compressible bearing stratum, it studies a hypothetical case by using the hybrid method.

Master of Science (Geotechnical Engineering)