A Load Transfer Approach for Studying the Load-Deformation Response of Vertically Loaded Single Pile

Abstract

A proper load-transfer (or t-z) model describing the pile and surrounding soil interaction is important for accurately predicting the behavior of piles. This paper presents a nonlinear prediction approach of load-displacement response for vertically loaded single pile based on a load transfer method by introducing a proposed t-z model for pile-soil interface. The proposed t-z model comprises a hardening/softening mechanism which is able to capture the hardening and softening behavior of pile-soil interactions. Combined with a linear load-displacement relationship of pile tip, a highly effective computer program has been developed for nonlinear analysis of the load-displacement behavior of a vertically loaded single pile. And also, predictions of t-z curves and load-settlement curves from the proposed approach have been compared with the measured values from two well-documented field experimental pile loading case studies. The results of the comparisons indicate that the predictions show good agreement with the measured values.