Lateral capacity and deformations of vertical piles loaded by horizontal forces

Abstract

Pile foundations are frequently loaded by horizontal forces. In such cases, it is important to calculate lateral capacity of vertical piles. It is governed by the strength of the surrounding soil i.e. geotechnical capacity or pile strength parameters i.e. structural capacity of a pile. In this paper, geotechnical capacity is analysed first, and then the Rankine's, Broms' and Brinch-Hansen's methods for calculating ultimate bearing capacity of a single pile under lateral loads are presented. In accordance with complex geological conditions, which are very often in Serbia, Brinch-Hansen's method has an advantage over the other two methods. It can be applied both to uniform and layered soils under drained or undrained conditions. This is highly important for foundation of structures and landslide's remedial measures, too. Accordingly, load capacity calculation of a pile group is presented as well. In the case of homogenous surrounding soil, deformations of laterally loaded piles may be determined by elastic analysis. However, in the case of complex geological conditions, these deformations may be calculated by the concept of coefficient of subgrade reaction or by p-y curves, too. Finally, numerical analysis for calculation of geotechnical capacity and pile head displacement of laterally loaded piles for foundation of Clinker Bin in Beocin is presented.

Keywords

• single piles
• pile groups
• ultimate lateral capacity
• allowable lateral load
• lateral deformations