Model Test on Lateral Loading Performance of Secant Pile Walls

Abstract

AbstractThe mechanical behaviors of secant pile walls under lateral loading are complex with regard to their irregular cross sections and bonding quality of secant faces. A comprehensive model test was designed and conducted to investigate the stress states and failure modes of secant faces, the bearing capacities, and the flexural rigidity of secant pile walls under various lateral loading conditions. The model test consisted of three types of tests (shear, tension, and bending). All the tests accounted for the most sensitive factor affecting the bonding quality of secant faces [i.e., time interval of bonding (TIB)]. The commonly used secant pile wall of plain-reinforced-plain (PRP) type, with RC piles and plain concrete piles (PCPs) arranged alternatively, was chosen for the model test. Based on the interpretation of the test data, the primary findings were obtained as follows: (1) the failure modes of secant pile walls were governed by the bonding quality of secant faces, which depended on TIB; (2) the...