Discussion of “Lateral Resistance of a Full-Scale Pile Group in Liquefied Sand” by Kyle M. Rollins, Travis M. Gerber, J. Dusty Lane, and Scott A. Ashford

Abstract

The discussers have used the Strain Wedge Model (SWM) developed by Ashour and Norris (2003) to compare the test program results based on field test data the authors compiled (but without the authors' adjustment factors) for laterally loaded pile and pile group response in liquefied soil. The discussers observed that the SWM predicts limited group effect of the p-y curves for CISS single and individual pile (in a 3 X 3 group at 0.3 m, 1.3 m, and 2.3 m depths) under fully liquefaction conditions. In partial liquefaction conditions, though, the SWM predicts a greater group effect at the same depths.