Author : Ahmed M. Ebid
Source : International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology
Date of Publication : 10/2015
Abstract :
Laterally loaded pile is a famous case of soil-structure interaction problem which was intensively
studied by many researchers before. The techniques used to predict the behavior of laterally loaded piles were
developed with increasing of the available computational capabilities from closed mathematical formulas to finite
differences technique and finally linear finite elements technique. Recently, very sophisticated 3D elasto-plastic nonlinear
finite element models were used to accurately predict that behavior. Unfortunately, those sophisticated models
are too complicated to be used in practical design. Hence, the aim of this research is to introduce a much simpler and
practical approach to predict the behavior of the laterally loaded concrete piles considering the nonlinear effect of
concrete cracking. Special calculating tool based on finite elements is developed to carry out a parametric study of the
behavior of a set of 24 piles with different aspect ratios, reinforcement ratios, relative stiffness and head constrains. The
validity of the calculating tool is checked against case history field tests. The results of the parametric study show three
different failure modes according to the flexibility of the pile. Comparing the results with the formulas of ECP (202/4)
shows the matching in the ultimate lateral capacity, while the ultimate lateral deformations are about (127 to 132%) of
the code prediction.
Download PDF