A new p – y curve criterion for piles in proximity to undrained clay slopes

Abstract

In this paper, a systematic study of the soil – pile interaction of a laterally loaded pile in proximity to undrained clay slope is conducted. The emphasis is on a modified actual displacement of the induced soil resistance in the p – y curve criterion by considering the displacement of the slope surface. On the above basic, the effect of slope on the ultimate soil resistance is also considered. A new p – y curve criterion, which divides the p – y curves in front of the pile into three cases, is proposed. Finally, the accuracy of the new model is verified through a pile test and two hyperbolic p - y curve criterions. The new criterion not only automatically reduces the stiffness of the p - y curve, but also reasonably reveals the effect of slope on the soil-pile interaction.