Loading behaviour of small scale single pile in unsaturated clayey soil

Abstract

In this study, the loading behaviour of a small scale, single pile in unsaturated clayey soil was examined through a series of laboratory pile load tests and numerical analysis. To estimate the maximum bearing load of the pile in an unsaturated soil, the pile load tests were carried out at different water contents. At the same time, a finite element model was developed to simulate nonlinear response of a small scale single pile under a static axial loading. All parameters used in numerical analysis were obtained in laboratory. The results of numerical analyses conducted by finite element method were compared with the results of the physical pile load tests. The general trends of settlement obtained by the numerical analysis are consistent with pile load test results. With increasing soil water content, the dilatancy angle decreases, resulting in a decrease in ultimate bearing capacity.