Development of dynamic p-y backbone curves for a single pile in dense sand by 1g shaking table tests

Abstract

A series of 1 g shaking table model pile tests were carried out in dry and saturated dense sand to evaluate dynamic p-y curves for various conditions of the acceleration frequency, the acceleration amplitude of input loads, the flexural stiffness of the pile shaft and the mass at the pile head. The influence of each parameter on dynamic p-y curves was evaluated. Dynamic p-y backbone curves for pseudo static analysis of dense sand were proposed as hyperbolic functions by connecting the peak points of the experimental p-y curves, which correspond maximum soil resistances. In order to express the backbone curves as hyperbolic functions, empirical equations for the initial soil stiffness (kini) and the ultimate soil resistance (pu) were developed, respectively, as a function of the soil friction angle and the confining stress. The herein suggested backbone curves were also compared with the currently available p-y curves.