Nonlinear solutions of lateral response for piles under axial and lateral load embedded in layered soils

Abstract

Most of the previous studies were based on the linearly elastic or linearly elastic-plastic horizontal load transfer model for the laterally loaded piles undergoing axial load.In order to improve the calculation and design accuracy of axially and laterally loaded piles, considering the P-Δ effect caused by axial force of piles using the axial load transfer method, this paper proposes a nonlinear analysis approach based on hyperbola load transfer model to calculate the lateral response of elevated piles embedded in layered soils.The nonlinear finite difference solutions of the deformation and internal force for the pile shaft are obtained, and the relevant computer program is developed by MATLAB software.The accuracy of the nonlinear solutions is verified by utilizing the model test and the finite element calculation based on the field test.The calculation results showed that the results obtained by the nonlinear approach are in good agreement with the model test and finite element data.Besides, the results calculated by the approaches with different load transfer models are compared under different load levels.The nonlinear characteristics of pile-soil deformation cannot be ignored in calculation of lateral pile responses under large load.

Keywords

• pile under axial and lateral load
• p-δ effect
• hyperbolic model
• nonlinear solution
• finite difference method