A novel semi-analytical model for laterally loaded piles

Abstract

A new model for laterally loaded piles is proposed, consisting of a linear part and a non-linear iterative part. The linear part is based on the Green's function method, which strictly satisfies the displacement and stress continuity conditions at the pile-soil interface and leads to a rigorous solution. The non-linear iterative part assumes that the shear modulus of the soil around the pile decreases with the average strain of the soil layer. Only two soil parameters need to be calibrated, including the initial shear modulus of the soil and the reference shear strain at half the initial modulus. Compared to the finite element model, the advantage of this model is that it converges quickly while maintaining accuracy, which greatly improves computational efficiency. The advantage of this model over the p-y curve model is that it does not have the difficulty of selecting p-y spring parameters, especially for monopiles. The accuracy of this model is verified by comparison with three-dimensional finite element models and nine existing studies, including numerical models, field tests and centrifuge tests. These cases cover various piles with diameters of D∼0.273–10 m and aspect ratios of L/D∼3–40, installed in sand or clay by driving, jacking or vibration.