An approach for response prediction of a single pile subjected to tension load considering modulus degradation of soil

Abstract

Determination on forms of load-transfer curve is a common concern in the response analysis of a single pile subjected to tension load using ‘t–z’ method in practice. Based on ‘t–z’ method, an approach for nonlinear analysis of the load–displacement response of a single pile subjected to tension load is proposed in the present paper. In this paper, based on shear displacement theory, a theoretical load-transfer model is established considering the influence of soil stress on nonlinear deformation of soil, modulus degradation characteristics and shear modulus of soil. The validity of the proposed model is checked using existing theoretical solutions. According to the pile–soil interaction mechanism in different soil types, empirical correlations for limiting unit skin friction of an uplift pile embedded in cohesive and non-cohesive soils are established. To analyze the load–displacement response of a single pile subjected to tension load, a highly effective iterative computer program is developed based on the Runge–Kutta method. Comparisons of the present computed values, the reported centrifuge and field test results are made to verify the reliability of the proposed method.