Modeling the lateral response of pile groups in cohesionless and cohesive soils

Abstract

Abstract A three-dimensional finite element approach was used to assess the lateral pile and pile group response subjected to pure lateral load. The study evaluated three pile group configurations (i.e. 2 × 1, 2 × 2 and 3 × 2 pile groups) with four values of pile spacing (i.e. 2D, 4D, 6D and 8D, where D is the pile diameter). The results of the influence of load intensities, group configuration, pile spacing are discussed in terms of response of load vs. lateral displacement, load vs. soil resistance and corresponding p–y curves. The improved plots can be used for laterally loaded pile design and also to produce the group action design p-multiplier curves and equations. As a result, design curves were developed and applied in the actual case studies and similar expected cases for assessment of pile group behavior using improved p-multiplier. A design equation was derived from predicted design curves to be used in the evaluation of the lateral pile group action. The equation was used with the previous results to predict the expected design curve take in the account different source of p-multiplier. It was found that the group interaction effect led to reduced lateral resistance for the pile in the group relative to that for the single pile. In addition, the present study was compatible with the results of previous results for the first and second trailing row and was less compatible with the result from the previous works in the case of piles in leading row.

Keywords

• Piles
• Pile group
• Spacing
• Configuration