Abstract
A three-dimensional finite element approach was used to assess the lateral pile and pile group response subjected to pure lateral load. The study evaluated three pile group configurations (i.e. 2 × 1, 2 × 2 and 3 × 2 pile groups) with four values of pile spacing (i.e. 2D, 4D, 6D and 8D, where D is the pile diameter). The results of the influence of load intensities, group configuration, pile spacing are discussed in terms of response of load vs. lateral displacement, load vs. soil resistance and corresponding p–y curves. The improved plots can be used for laterally loaded pile design and also to produce the group action design p-multiplier curves and equations. As a result, design curves were developed and applied in the actual case studies and similar expected cases for assessment of pile group behavior using improved p-multiplier. A design equation was derived from predicted design curves to be used in the evaluation of the lateral pile group action. The equation was used with the previous results to predict the expected design curve take in the account different source of p-multiplier. It was found that the group interaction effect led to reduced lateral resistance for the pile in the group relative to that for the single pile. In addition, the present study was compatible with the results of previous results for the first and second trailing row and was less compatible with the result from the previous works in the case of piles in leading row.
Highlights
The lateral pile response of single isolated pile is important to understand and predict as reported by a number of researchers
This paper aims to access the accuracy of the p-multiplier concept for providing reasonable estimates of load pile displacement and lateral soil distribution in a pile group
In general, the lateral pile displacement of pile group is less than the results obtained from assessment of single isolated pile
Summary
The lateral pile response of single isolated pile is important to understand and predict as reported by a number of researchers. Pile within a group is important to investigate because generally the pile group consisting of a number of piles instills close proximity to one another [2, 24]. These close piles are usually fixed on the top and near to the ground surface by pile cap. Several methods have been developed over the years for assessing the lateral performance of pile within a closely spaced group. These methods are classified under five categories, as: (a) empirical stiffness distribution method [8], (b) hybrid model [9] (c) characteristic load method [21] (d) continuum methods [12], and (e) finite element method [15]
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