Model Study of Laterally Loaded Piles

Abstract

Tests on scaled models of the locks and dams used in the Arkansas River Navigation Project were performed to develop design criteria for pile foundations in sand. The relationships between the lateral load-deformation behavior of isolated single piles and groups of piles scaled after the prototype foundations were determined. The flexural behavior of the piles was also investigated. The subgrade modulus applicable to piles in sand was shown to increase linearly with respect to depth. Cyclic loading caused the magnitude of deflection for a given load level to double, approximately. Hrennikoff's method of analyzing groups of piles was experimentally verified after the effects of pile group behavior and variation of subgrade modulus with respect to depth were accounted for. Deflection of a pile group for a given load increased as the pile spacing decreased below approximately eight pile widths, indicating a reduced subgrade modulus. A relationship was determined between pile spacing and the magnitude of reduction in the subgrade modulus.