Analytical solution for laterally loaded non-uniform circular piles in multi-layered inhomogeneous soil

Abstract

ABSTRACT Non-prismatic piles are typically used in cases where large lateral loads must be resisted. In many applications, piles are partially or fully embedded in multi-layered non-homogeneous soil, with each layer having its own set of properties. Analytical, simple solutions to study this problem are more limited and complex than that of prismatic ones. The analysis becomes even more complicated when both the variation of the cross-sectional area of the element and the soil inhomogeneity are included in the formulation. This work presents the derivation of the stiffness matrix and load vector of a non-uniform section of pile partially or fully embedded in non-homogeneous soil. The analysis of non-uniform piles in multi-layered soil is carried out by dividing the pile into multiple sub-elements and then assembling them using conventional matrix methods. Four examples, encompassing partially and fully embedded piles, are presented to validate the simplicity and accuracy of the proposed solution.