Axial behavior of tapered piles using cavity expansion theory

Abstract

This paper presents a procedure for evaluating the load–displacement behavior of tapered piles under static axial compressive loads. The response of tapered piles under elastic phase is evaluated using nonlinear load transfer method, whereas the increase in stresses due to slippage at the soil–pile interface is obtained from a developed drained cylindrical cavity expansion solution based on a nonlinear stress–dilatancy relationship. The governing differential equation is solved using the differential quadrature element method. The methodology is validated using two reported experimental model testing of the tapered pile in cohesive–frictional soil and soft soil. A comparative analysis between the different nonlinear load transfer models is also carried out. Further, the effect of the heterogeneity of the soil properties along the length of the pile on the axial response of the tapered pile is studied.