Behavioural analysis of vertical and batter pile groups under vertical and lateral loading in sand

Abstract

Laboratory model tests were carried out to study the behaviour of vertical piles and batter pile groups under vertical and lateral load. The model pile groups were made up of mild steel rod of 8-mm diameter. Parameters such as degree of batter and different length to diameter ratios of 7.50, 15.00 and 22.50 were considered in this study. The size of the model tank was 1000 mm × 1000mm × 800 mm. Experiments were performed on 3 × 3 model pile groups with a row of batter piles both positive and negative in addition to vertical pile groups with batter angle 0° in sandy soil subject to vertical and lateral loads. It was observed that the behaviour of vertical pile groups and group of piles with batter piles were similar but it showed substantial variation in the capacity of pile groups. Results indicated that the load–settlement relationships were non-linear for all model pile groups both under vertical and lateral loading. Numerical FEM analysis using ABAQUS/CAE 6.11 was also used to compare and validate the load carrying capacity of pile groups obtained from the experimental model tests.